Feathered Dinosaurs

Not all dinosaurs are extinct!

Birds are the descendants of theropods (sometimes they are even considered to be dinosaurs). One piece of evidence is that dinosaurs had more or less evolved feathers. Very well-preserved fossils have been discovered in south-west China since 1996. These fossils are of such quality that they still show traces of plumage.

The Sinosauropteryx’s plumage consisted of simple hollow downy hairs. These kept its body warm, but it couldn't fly. The Caudipteryx didn't fly either. The long symmetrical feathers on its short forelegs and tail were for showing off. The Archaeopteryx, which was discovered in Germany, had wings with asymmetrical feathers and could glide from one branch to another.