The Dinosaur Feather Mystery

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Science Documentary published by Discovery Channel in 2004 - English narration

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At 55-77 cm (1.8-2.5 ft) long from its nose to the tip of its tail, Microraptor was among the smallest known dinosaurs. Aside from its extremely small size, Microraptor was among the first non-avian dinosaurs discovered with the impressions of feathers and wings.

Three specimens of M. zhaoianus have been described in detail, in addition to six specimens of M. gui described by Xu et al. in 2003, from which most feather impressions are known. Unusual even among early birds and feathered dinosaurs, Microraptor is one of the few known bird precursors to sport long flight feathers on its feet as well as its forearms and hands. Their bodies had a thick covering of feathers, with a diamond-shaped fan on the end of the tail (possibly for added stability during flight).

Some specimens demonstrate a raised feather "crest" on the head, similar to some modern birds, like the Pileated Woodpecker. Bands of dark and light present on some specimens may indicate color patterns present in life. Several anatomical features found in Microraptor, such as a combination of unserrated and partially serrated teeth with constricted 'waists', and unusually long upper arm bones, are shared with both primitive avians and primitive troodontids.