[D] Cryptovolans pauli [sG] [T]
Describer
Czerkas, Zhang, Li & Li, 2002
Time
Cretaceous Early Barremian Aptian
Classification
Saurischia Theropoda Tetanurae Coelurosauria Dromaeosauridae
Diet
Carnivore
Fossilsite
Jiufotang Formation, Liaoning, China
Length
90 cm.
Info
Genus - Typespecies
Possible Subjective Synonym of Microraptor. Cryptovolans pauli is characterized by the presence of primary flight feathers as being a bird. It differs from other known dromaeosaurs in having completely co-ossified sternals, forming an avian sternum; no less than 28 or more than 30 caudal vertebrae; and does not have the theropod proportions in the third manal digit in which phalanx III-3 should be the longest. Instead, phalanx III-1 is longer than III-3. The feathers on the Cryptovolans specimens are not completely preserved throughout the body of any one individual. And although some feathers are difficult to interpret due to the limits of their preservation, the primary feathers extending from the manus are unequivocal in their avian morphology.
Cryptovolans means “hidden flyer” from Kruptos = Crypto-, (Greek) for “hidden”; -volans, for “flying”; pauli, in honor of Gregory S. Paul for his insightful work on theropods.
Czerkas, S.A., Zhang, D., Li, J., and Li, Y. (2002). “Flying Dromaeosaurs”, Czerkas, S.J. Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight: The Dinosaur Museum Journal 1, 16-26, Blanding: The Dinosaur Museum.
Abstract
Dromaeosaurs have been regarded as theropod dinosaurs that were among the closest avian ancestors which were strictly terrestrial having not yet evolved the ability to fly. Consequently, phylogenetic analyses have resulted in the claims of birds having evolved from \\\"the ground up\\\" within a dinosaurian ancestry. Though widely accepted, the relationship between birds and dinosaurs has remained highly controversial and disputed by advocates of birds as having been derived from an arboreal, non-dinosaurian type of archosaur.
The cladistical interpretation of the dinosaur/bird relationship hinges upon the presumption of the dromaeosaur\\\'s inability to fly. Recent discoveries of dromaeosaurs have revealed impressions of feathers and avian characters in the skeleton that nearly equal and even surpass that of Archaeopteryx. Yet despite this, the ability to fly has been discounted due to the shorter length of the forelimbs. Described are two such dromaeosaurs, but preserved with impressions of primary flight feathers extending from the manus which demonstrate an undeniable correlation towards the ability to fly. This compelling evidence refutes the popular interpretation of birds evolving from dinosaurs by revealing that dromaeosaurs were already birds and not the non-avian theropod dinosaurs, as previously believed.
Czerkas, Zhang, Li & Li, 2002
Time
Cretaceous Early Barremian Aptian
Classification
Saurischia Theropoda Tetanurae Coelurosauria Dromaeosauridae
Diet
Carnivore
Fossilsite
Jiufotang Formation, Liaoning, China
Length
90 cm.
Info
Genus - Typespecies
Possible Subjective Synonym of Microraptor. Cryptovolans pauli is characterized by the presence of primary flight feathers as being a bird. It differs from other known dromaeosaurs in having completely co-ossified sternals, forming an avian sternum; no less than 28 or more than 30 caudal vertebrae; and does not have the theropod proportions in the third manal digit in which phalanx III-3 should be the longest. Instead, phalanx III-1 is longer than III-3. The feathers on the Cryptovolans specimens are not completely preserved throughout the body of any one individual. And although some feathers are difficult to interpret due to the limits of their preservation, the primary feathers extending from the manus are unequivocal in their avian morphology.
Cryptovolans means “hidden flyer” from Kruptos = Crypto-, (Greek) for “hidden”; -volans, for “flying”; pauli, in honor of Gregory S. Paul for his insightful work on theropods.
Czerkas, S.A., Zhang, D., Li, J., and Li, Y. (2002). “Flying Dromaeosaurs”, Czerkas, S.J. Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight: The Dinosaur Museum Journal 1, 16-26, Blanding: The Dinosaur Museum.
Abstract
Dromaeosaurs have been regarded as theropod dinosaurs that were among the closest avian ancestors which were strictly terrestrial having not yet evolved the ability to fly. Consequently, phylogenetic analyses have resulted in the claims of birds having evolved from \\\"the ground up\\\" within a dinosaurian ancestry. Though widely accepted, the relationship between birds and dinosaurs has remained highly controversial and disputed by advocates of birds as having been derived from an arboreal, non-dinosaurian type of archosaur.
The cladistical interpretation of the dinosaur/bird relationship hinges upon the presumption of the dromaeosaur\\\'s inability to fly. Recent discoveries of dromaeosaurs have revealed impressions of feathers and avian characters in the skeleton that nearly equal and even surpass that of Archaeopteryx. Yet despite this, the ability to fly has been discounted due to the shorter length of the forelimbs. Described are two such dromaeosaurs, but preserved with impressions of primary flight feathers extending from the manus which demonstrate an undeniable correlation towards the ability to fly. This compelling evidence refutes the popular interpretation of birds evolving from dinosaurs by revealing that dromaeosaurs were already birds and not the non-avian theropod dinosaurs, as previously believed.