Microraptor

Lore & Background

The initial naming of Microraptor was controversial due to a chimeric specimen—a patchwork of different feathered dinosaur species assembled from multiple specimens and smuggled to the USA. After the forgery was revealed by Xu Xing, Storrs L. Olson published a description of the tail under the name Archaeoraptor liaoningensis, but Xu later described the remains and named it Microraptor zhaoianus. However, Archaeoraptor liaoningensis was based on a composite of multiple animals, not the same individual as Microraptor zhaoianus, so there is no formal priority dispute under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Microraptor is simply the name in common use, not a nomen protectum.

Additional specimens include BPM 1 3-13, which was named Cryptovolans pauli by Stephen Czerkas et al. in 2002, but subsequent studies showed its distinguishing features are not unique and represent variation within Microraptor. A later specimen, BMNHC PH881, revealed glossy-black iridescent plumage and a bifurcated tailfan, and showed no sign of a nuchal crest, suggesting the crest in the holotype may be a taphonomic artifact. Over 300 undescribed specimens attributable to Microraptor or its close relatives exist in Chinese museum collections.

Reader's Guide

Microraptor is significant as one of the most abundant non-avialan dinosaurs in its ecosystem, represented by more fossils than any other dromaeosaurid. Its four-winged configuration, with long pennaceous feathers on both arms and legs, provides critical evidence for the evolutionary transition from dinosaurs to birds. Studies have suggested Microraptor was capable of both gliding and powered flight. One specimen shows evidence of active primary sequential moulting similar to modern flight-capable birds, a rare fossil record of such behavior. The naming controversy surrounding Microraptor highlights issues of fossil smuggling, chimeric specimens, and taxonomic priority, but the genus remains a key taxon for understanding the origin of avian flight and feather evolution.

Did You Know?

• Microraptor had long pennaceous feathers on its legs as well as its arms, making it a 'four-winged dinosaur.'
• The first described specimen was part of a chimeric fossil assembled from multiple species and smuggled to the USA.
• Over 300 undescribed specimens attributable to Microraptor or its close relatives exist in Chinese museum collections.
• One specimen shows evidence of active primary sequential moulting similar to modern flight-capable birds.