Microraptor

     A controversial feathered dinosaur known as, Mictroraptor gui was discovered to of had aerodynamic wings and feathers used for flight. However, researchers continue to debate whether it flew from the ground up or from tree to tree. The microraptor specimen was discovered nine years ago in northeastern China and is one of the earliest flight organisms in evolution. The discoverers observed a series of long asymmetric feathers on the creature’s arms and legs and came to hypotheses that the early bird flew. Paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee of Texas Tech University and his colleague discuss the issues of the newly discovered creature, "We realized there's something wrong in the anatomy because no dinosaurs could splay their legs sideways," Chatterjee says. "No birds can do that." Chatterjee and his colleague envisioned the Microraptor’s legs tucked under its body and noted that this was common ‘posture’ for many raptors. This is a pure conjecture however; this is a more realistic position. The researchers note that it “puts the leading, narrower edges of the leg feathers forward against the direction of airflow, like the arm feathers”. 

* Information obtained at www.scientificamerican.com

* Pictures obtained at www.rareresource.com & www.news.nationalgeographic.com

 Figure 13.1

 Figure 13.2