99 Million-Year-Old Baby Bird Trapped in Amber

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In summary, a 99 million-year-old baby bird was recently discovered trapped in amber, providing a rare glimpse into the life of birds during the age of dinosaurs. The fossilized remains contain feathers, wings, and soft tissue, allowing scientists to study the anatomy and development of this ancient bird species. This finding sheds light on the evolution and behavior of early birds, providing valuable insights into the history of avian life on Earth.
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99 Million-Year-Old Baby Bird Trapped in Amber Discovered in Myanmar

Researchers in Myanmar have discovered a 99 million-year-old baby bird encased in amber . The ancient hatchling died when it was just a few days or weeks old after a blob of sticky tree resin fell on it, leaving half of its body frozen in time. Xing Lida, from the China University of Geosciences, led an international team of researchers in analyzing the three-inch specimen. Their study, published in the journal Gondwana Research, will help scientists better understand the toothed birds that lived alongside dinosaurs—and how they differ from birds living today. The amber encases the bird’s skull, neck, a partial wing, a hind limb and one foot.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/53c2c567-c77f-3c0d-a792-fccda32cdcc8/a-99-million-year-old-baby.html
 
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I just love these opposite birds, and could only wish that at least one of the species from that lineage survived Creataceous-tertiary extinction.

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1. What is the significance of the 99 million-year-old baby bird trapped in amber?

The discovery of a baby bird trapped in amber from 99 million years ago is significant because it provides a rare and well-preserved glimpse into the anatomy and behavior of ancient birds. This specimen can also provide valuable information about the evolution and diversification of birds over time.

2. How was the baby bird preserved for so long?

The baby bird was preserved in amber, a fossilized tree resin, which provides an airtight and protective environment for organisms to be trapped in. The resin also has anti-microbial properties, preventing the decomposition of the bird's body.

3. What can scientists learn from this discovery?

Scientists can learn a lot from this discovery, including the physical characteristics, growth patterns, and behaviors of ancient birds. They can also study the bird's diet and habitat, and potentially even extract DNA for further analysis.

4. Is this the first time a baby bird has been found trapped in amber?

No, this is not the first time a baby bird has been found trapped in amber. However, this is one of the most well-preserved specimens to date and provides a more complete understanding of ancient bird species.

5. How does this discovery impact our understanding of the evolutionary history of birds?

This discovery can potentially fill in gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary history of birds, as well as shed light on the relationship between ancient birds and their modern descendants. It also adds to the growing body of evidence for the diversity of bird species during the Mesozoic Era.

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