These revealed that the animal’s body was similar to modern birds in many respects. Experts say the findings help to unpick how modern birds evolved from their dinosaur ancestors. Together, the data was used to produce a three-dimensional, virtual reconstruction of the skull of the ancient bird. However, like modern birds, this tiny beak was covered in a fingernail material called keratin and was toothless and hooked. “I think the reason the bird brain is large basically is to deal with the demands of flight,” he said.

Source: The Guardian May 02, 2018 16:52 UTC