Taming the T-rex …And other dinosaurs CHALLENGING EARTH HISTORY: Part VII The Feathered Dinosaurs Elaine Kennedy, Ph.D. Geoscience Research Institute

Problematic Issues II: dinosaur-bird links Are the “feathers” on dinosaurs real?Are the “feathers” on dinosaurs real? Is the existence of feathers on any reptile problematic for Christians?Is the existence of feathers on any reptile problematic for Christians? Are feathered dinosaurs links?Are feathered dinosaurs links?

Data: Young Sinosauropteryx prima Yixian Formation, lower Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China Compsonathid – like skeleton Ruffled dark ridge above the spine shows what may have been feathers

Data: Confuciusornis sanctus Yixian Formation, lower Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China This bird lacks teeth Note forelimbs & feathers Birds abundant in same formation & “time” as feathered dinosaurs Can feathered dinosaurs be “the links” when birds were already present? Feathers

Data: Caudipteryx zoui Yixian Formation, lower Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China Feather plume on tail & wings Feathers & down may have covered entire body Only a few hooked teeth in the front of its upper jaw

Data: Protarchaeopteryx robusta Yixian Formation, lower Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China Archaeopteryx lithographica had asymmetrical feathers P. robusta did not fly –Symmetrical feathers Feathers

Microraptor gui Jiufotang Formation, lower Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China Data: Microraptor gui Jiufotang Formation, lower Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China Fracture pattern around skeletonFracture pattern around skeleton –Key features isolated Carbonized feathersCarbonized feathers –No carbonized flesh Slurry? between bones & feathersSlurry? between bones & feathers –Patching? Best specimens purchasedBest specimens purchased

Part VII: Summary The validity of the feathers on dinosaurs is still debated; however, if the feathers are real, their presence on dinosaurs does not establish a link between dinosaurs and birds because true birds are found in lower layers with no ancestral evidence in the layers below.

Conclusions Dinosaurs lived on earth, probably created by God as unique organisms, “normal” existence Eggs and babies are genuine –Nests are not yet clearly established –Transport of eggs is widespread Feathered dinosaurs are considered links by some scientists –Feathers disputed –Links disputed

Psalm 8:3,4,6-9 3When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, 4What is man that You are mindful of him,…. ? 6 You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: 7All flocks and herds, and the beasts of the fields, 8The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,…. 9O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! NIV