Prehistoric waterbird discovery

Dozens of fossils of an ancient loon-like creature that some say is the missing link in bird evolution have been discovered in northwest China.

The remains of 40 of the nearly modern amphibious birds, so well-preserved that some even have their feathers, were found in Gansu province, researchers report in Friday's issue of the journal Science.

Previously only a single leg of the creature, known as Gansus yumenensis, had been found. . .

The remains were dated to about 110 million years ago, making them the oldest for the group Ornithurae, which includes all modern birds and their closest extinct relatives.

Posted by David on June 16, 2006 1:07 PM