Ancient Reptiles

Jeholornis prima Zhou & Zhang, 2002

BH Staff | fossils, ancient reptiles

May 19, 2023

Age and Locality: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning Province. Jeholornis prima, also known as the “primitive Jehol bird,” is a significant species in the study of avian evolution, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago. Discovered in the Jehol Biota of northeastern China, a region famous for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils, Jeholornis prima offers crucial insights into the transition from non-avian dinosaurs to modern birds. One of the most fascinating aspects of Jeholornis prima is its mix of primitive and advanced characteristics, making it a key transitional fossil.

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Microraptor gui Xu et al., 2003

BH Staff | fossils, ancient reptiles

May 19, 2023

Age and Locality: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning Province. Microraptor gui is a fascinating species of small, feathered dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago. This remarkable creature was discovered in the Liaoning Province of China, an area renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil beds which have contributed significantly to our understanding of prehistoric life. Microraptor gui belongs to the group of theropod dinosaurs, which are closely related to modern birds. What makes Microraptor especially interesting is its unique feather arrangement; it had long feathers on its arms, legs, and tail, suggesting it had four wings.

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Zhouornis hani et al., 2013

BH Staff | fossils, ancient reptiles

May 19, 2023

Age and Locality: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning Province. Zhouornis hani, commonly known as the “Hani’s bird” after its discoverer, represents an intriguing chapter in the story of avian evolution. This prehistoric bird lived during the Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and early birds were beginning to take flight in the skies. The discovery of Zhouornis hani has provided paleontologists with valuable insights into the evolutionary transition from dinosaurs to modern birds. The fossil remains of Zhouornis hani were found in China, a country renowned for its rich deposits of well-preserved dinosaur and early bird fossils.

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Longipteryx chaoyangensis Zhang, Zhou, Hou & Gu, 2001

BH Staff | fossils, ancient reptiles

May 12, 2023

Age and Locality: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning Province. Longipteryx chaoyangensis is an extinct species of bird that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago. It is known from fossils found in the Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning Province, China, which is part of the famous Jehol Biota that provides crucial insights into the diversity of life during the Cretaceous period. This ancient bird is remarkable for its relatively long, pointed wings and elongated tail, features that suggest it was well-adapted for powered flight.

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Cathayornis sp.

BH Staff | fossils, ancient reptiles

October 2, 2022

Age and Locality: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning Province. Cathayornis is an extinct genus of birds that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago. It is part of the group known as Enantiornithes, which were widespread across the world during the Mesozoic era but vanished at the end of the Cretaceous period, along with the non-avian dinosaurs. The fossils of Cathayornis have been primarily found in the Yixian Formation in Liaoning Province, China, an area renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils that provide a detailed glimpse into life during the Early Cretaceous.

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