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A Birdlike Dino

Dinosaur fans are chirping over a fossil discovery. On October 22, scientists revealed that the remains of previously unseen birdlike dinosaurs have been discovered in China. The feathered species is the oldest known dinosaur relative of birds. The fossils could hold clues to the evolution of birds, experts say.

The pigeon-sized creature lived more than 150 million years ago. Short, fuzzy feathers covered its body, and four ribbon-like feathers came out from the tailbone. But the fancy rear ruffles were likely just to attract mates. The dinosaur could not fly. Its feathers were not the kind that help flying birds get off the ground.

Still, scientists are excited about the discovery. Researchers say the fossil shows that the use of feathers to attract mates happened early in the process of dinosaurs evolving into birds.

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