A new fossil of a dinosaur from China apparently had wings and feathers but would (because of its size and weight) have been incapable of flight (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33510288). There are apparently two possibilities. The first is that the species (like birds such as the penguin and the ostrich) lost the power of flight. The other is that wings in these reptiles were not initially designed for flying but (like the peacock's tail) were part of sexual display. It seems likely that only further fossil evidence solve this conundrum.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday 17 July 2015
Giving Wings to Fancy?
A new fossil of a dinosaur from China apparently had wings and feathers but would (because of its size and weight) have been incapable of flight (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33510288). There are apparently two possibilities. The first is that the species (like birds such as the penguin and the ostrich) lost the power of flight. The other is that wings in these reptiles were not initially designed for flying but (like the peacock's tail) were part of sexual display. It seems likely that only further fossil evidence solve this conundrum.
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