New discovery of dinosaurs 'aerial assassins'

The small flying dinosaur named Microraptor is considered a "aerial assassin" with the ability to dive down and fish underwater as some modern birds, UPI quoted Canadian researchers as saying today. April 22.

>>>The first evidence of 'flying' dinosaurs eat birds

New evidence of the rapid hunting of Microraptor was discovered by paleontologists from the University of Alberta (Canada) after studying fossil dinosaurs in China.

New research shows the small flying dinosaur Microraptor
possesses perfect hunting instincts - (Photo: University of Alberta)

We are very fortunate that the fossil of this species of Microraptor is found in volcanic ash and its stomach containing fish can be easily identified, said paleontologist Scott Persons of the University of Alberta.

Prior to the discovery, paleontologists only learned that the Microraptor - the size of a modern falcon - often lives on trees and prey as small birds and mammals.

According to researchers at the University of Alberta, by analyzing new fossils, they found that their teeth adapted to catching slippery prey, like fish.

"We now know that Microraptor lives in diverse terrain and has a rich diet , " said researcher Scott Persons, adding, "It has the advantage of having a variety of prey in the lips. forest and wet schools in China in the Early Cretaceous period, about 120 million years ago ".

According to the researchers, this is the first evidence that successful carnivorous dinosaurs with prey are fish, with Microraptor's body suitable for controlling a brief flight of light with long hairs. in the forelegs, the two limbs and the tail.