A reconstruction of a Jeholornis fossil and an artistic rendition of the bird. Photo: SCMP composite
A reconstruction of a Jeholornis fossil and an artistic rendition of the bird. Photo: SCMP composite

When dinosaurs became birds: studies of prehistoric Chinese fossils paint a picture of transition moment in evolutionary change

  • The birds, called Jeholornis, were some of the first animals to diverge away from dinosaurs and become birds
  • Scientists found the birds could have been fruit eaters with a strong sense of smell that were most active during daytime

A reconstruction of a Jeholornis fossil and an artistic rendition of the bird. Photo: SCMP composite
A reconstruction of a Jeholornis fossil and an artistic rendition of the bird. Photo: SCMP composite
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