Part 6: From raptor to bird
During the cretaceous period, evolution seems not to have developed "size" as a key feature.
The most successful predators on the ground were small, manoeuvrable meat-eaters, such as the velociraptor, which only grew to about 1.8 m long. Their range of tools and skills, however, was impressive and included razor-sharp claws and the ability to jump, which made them formidable hunters.
Since the archaeopteryx was discovered, scientists believed that these raptors eventually led to today's birds. Archaeopteryx still had many of the attributes typical of raptors, had claws (on its wings as well) and small lizard teeth, but was fully capable of flight and had two well-developed front wings and a powerful tail.
Researchers such as Mark Norell, from the American Museum of Natural History in New York, are convinced that they can reconstruct the path taken by evolution from raptors to birds. |
