Last week, the journal Science published findings from a group of scientists who discovered four-winged bird fossils in China.
It’s not clear yet if the feathers were used to actually fly, or whether they were merely used for show, but the scientists found that the feathers were big enough for flight.
“These features suggest that the metatarsal feathers were aerodynamic in function, providing lift, creating drag, and/or enhancing maneuverability, and thus played a role in flight,” the study said.
Could this be the link between modern day birds and dinosaurs? More analysis needs to be done, but it’s a good first step.
