In a newly published paper scientists from Oxford University have described the oldest and best preserved fossil from date. The fossil is roughly 120 million years old from the early Cretaceous period. During this period old species of birds were the first to have an avian beak. These are some of the oldest birds ever to be discovered and studied. Future research of the fossils can lead to a boatload of new discoveries about the evolution of our winged companions. This is important because birds are some of the most prevalent species on Earth today. With their delicate ecosystems and migration needs, they are also some of the most endangered types of animals. Knowing more about the evolution of these creatures can possibly help us understand where some of our modern day species came from and how certain aspects and attributes came to fruition.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170324192645.htm
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
April 2017
Categories |