Killer clawed dinosaurs yield new theory about flight in
birdsPublished On: Thu, Dec 15th, 2011 | Evolution | By BioNews
In a new study, scientists have described how dinosaurs like
Velocriaptor and Deinonychus used their famous killer claws,
which leads to new hypothesis on the evolution of flight in
birds. Denver W. Fowler, Elizabeth A. Freedman, John B.
Scannella and Robert E. Kambic from the Michigan State
University describe how comparing modern birds of prey helped
develop a new behaviour model for sickle-clawed carnivorous
dinosaurs like Velociraptor. The study focuses on
dromaeosaurids, a group of small predatory dinosaurs that
include the famous Velociraptor and its larger relative,
Deinonychus. Dromaeosaurids are closely related to birds, and
are most famous for possessing an enlarged sickle-claw on digit
two (inside toe) of the foot. Previous researchers suggested
that this claw was used to slash at prey, or help climb up their
hides, but the new study proposes a different behaviour. “Modern
hawks