Remains of oldest known relative of modern birds discovered in China
by Ian Sample, science editor from on (#8E8N)
Archaeornithura meemannae is at least 130 million years old and was found with its feathers preserved, allowing comparison with modern-day birds
Researchers have stumbled upon the oldest known ancestor of all modern birds after breaking open a lump of ancient rock near a town in north-eastern China.
They discovered the fossilised remains of the prehistoric bird, complete with exquisitely preserved plumage, in silt rock that formed 130 million years ago in the region.
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