Three distinct fossil finds reported: feathered dinosaur, ancient mammal, bird
Three separate fossil discoveries reported this period involve ancient creatures from the Cretaceous period, reported by outlets in different regions.
What happened
A 100-million-year-old fossil of a small, four-winged, feathered dinosaur named Norellraptor barsboldi was discovered in northeastern China, according to the South China Morning Post. The creature measured 57cm and belongs to microraptorines, a group of small, feathered dinosaurs closely related to birds, and scientists say it offers evidence challenging the theory that dinosaur flight had a single origin.1
A separate fossil of an ancient mammal species from the Cretaceous period, found in China, appears to have had reptile-like teeth and the ability to replace them throughout its life, unlike most modern mammals which get only two sets of teeth, according to New Scientist.2
A third fossil discovery, reported by ABC News Australia, revealed an unknown bird species from more than 100 million years ago, found in an outback fossil pit in Australia. The find was described as a rare, chance discovery.3
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed cover all three discoveries together; each reports on a distinct fossil find, so there is no shared coverage to compare across outlets on any single discovery.
- None of the outlets reviewed provide details on where exactly the fossils will be studied further or published in peer-reviewed journals.
- None of the outlets reviewed give the names of the researchers or institutions involved in the discoveries.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 2New ScientistGBPrivate
Fossil mammal with reptile-like teeth changes picture of our evolution
East Asia
- 1South China Morning PostHKPrivate
4-winged fossil found in Liaoning challenges single origin of dinosaur flight
Oceania
- 3ABC News (Australia)AUPublic broadcaster