Fossil Dinosaur Has Feathers

A new dinosaur fossil that shows a line of small feathers down the spine has prompted biologists to consider even more carefully the hypothesis that dinosaurs evolved from birds. Although many have suggested that feathers may have evolved in dinosaurs, this is the first fossil that shows evidence of feathers. The fossil of the small carnivore was discovered by farmers in China and is about 1 meter long. While the feathers may have provided a downy insulation, they certainly were not used for flight.

There is some doubt as to the implications of the feathered fossil, as scientists did not release a paper describing the find but rather presented just the photos at a scientific meeting. However, interest in the photos was overwhelming, and the presentors themselves remain taken aback.

"Feathery Fossil Hints Dinosaur-Bird Link," by Malcolm W. Browne, New York Times, October 20, 1996

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