Discover tiny tiny dinosaurs with Jurassic hair

Researchers have discovered a small dinosaur with new feathers but not known to fly in the Jurassic period (145.5-199.6 million years ago).

Based on the fossil skeleton found in Northeast China of the dinosaur named 'Eosinopteryx brevipenna' , scientists determined that the animal was less than 30cm long, had a short nose and tail.

Eosinopteryx brevipenna dinosaur

Based on the short wingspan and bone structure, the researchers believe that the Eosinopteryx can run on the ground quite easily, but cannot be fast enough to flap its wings. Its toes are also only suitable for moving on the ground.

The feathers of this bird-like dinosaur are more compact than those of some other dinosaurs at the same time, proving that dinosaur feathers have grown in variety at the end of the Jurassic period, evolved to adapt to those Different ecological conditions.

Researcher Gareth Dyke, senior lecturer in paleontology at the University of Southampton, said: "This finding makes people more skeptical about the theory that the famous Archeopteryx fossil - or sometimes known as the "first bird" - is a key link in the evolution of modern birds. Our findings show that the origin of flying creatures is much more complex than previous theories. "

This new study is detailed in Nature Communications last week.