Microraptor all the waaaaaaaay! Let me tell you why this tiny dinosaur deserves your love.
First of all, Microraptor (”small thief”) is TINY and ADORABLE. This little dude measured at about 77cm in length (with some specimens measured as being a little larger). But other than what we can glean from its name, what makes Microraptor so cool? And what earned it the dmm2019 nickname “Shadow in the night”? WELL! Let me tell you!
Lets get right into the source of our knowledge on these tiny murder birds, the fossils, of which there are many! Microraptor is a very well known dinosaur. In fact, the genus is represented by more fossils than any other dromaeosaurid!
The holotype of Microraptor gui (IVPP V 13352) (Xu et al., 2003)
Look at that articulated beautiful specimen! As shown very clearly here, Microraptor is very clear evidence of feathers in non-avian dinosaurs. In fact, Microraptor was one of the first non-avialan dinosaurs discovered with the impressions of both feathers AND full-on WINGS preserved. Microraptor didn’t only have some fluff, it had long asymmetrical pennaceous feathers on its arms forming wings, AND on the metatarsals on the legs! Making Microraptor one of the few known bird precursors with flight feathers on the legs. So to add to the overall intrigue of this wonderful genus, Microraptor looked essentially like a tiny living biplane!
These bizarre volant surfaces have raised a lot of questions about how Microraptor moved around, and raised speculation about whether it lived an arboreal or semi-arboreal lifestyle where it glided around the forest, or if it was possibly able to achieve any sustained flight. There is a lot of discussion and debate over this, and I would HIGHLY suggest reading about it if you are interested because there is a lot of research on this little guy and how it moved around.
But why the nickname “shadow in the night”? And if you are still skeptical and may be asking “what makes THIS feathered dromaeosaur so special?” WELL let me tell you at least one REALLY COOL reason! First we must turn our attention over to THIS specimen:
Microraptor specimen BMNHC PH881 photographic image (above) and color-coded image (blue-gray, bone; orange, feathers) (below) (Li et al., 2012)
The feathers in this remarkable specimen are so well preserved, that researchers were able to discern what color this dinosaur may have been when it was alive. Through scanning electron microscope technology, researchers observed the structure and arrangement of the melanosomes (pigment cells) in the fossilized feathers of Microraptor, and compared them to those of modern birds. These cells in Microraptor were rod-shaped and narrow (consistent with glossy black pigmentation in modern birds) and arranged in layers, suggesting iridescent black coloration, like in modern starlings, grackles, and magpies for example. It is always awesome when we can get an idea of what color a dinosaur was, but it is especially awesome when it is something this cool. Like a tiny little glistening mysterious gem that you should not pet because it would probably try to nip at your fingers.
With this information, here are some artistic reconstructions of what Microraptor may have looked like in the flesh:
Reconstruction of Microraptor (Li et al., 2012)
Artistic restoration of Microraptor gui (Fred Wierum, 2017)
“Microraptor Takeoff” (Emily Willoughby, 2012) https://emilywilloughby.com/gallery/paleoart/microraptor-takeoff
In conclusion, Microraptor is a fascinating dinosaur that has provided us with a lot of information on the evolution of feathers, the origin and evolution of flight in theropods, and fossil color, but it’s also simply a really cool, unique member of the Dromaeosaurid family tree. So this Dinosaur March Madness 2019, consider voting for this small shadow of the night, this iridescent biplane, this tiny plunderer. Vote Microraptor.
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