Feathered Dinosaurs

Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty Exhibit at the Maryland Science Center

Dinosaur Skeletons, Animatronics, and Artwork Tell the Story of China’s Dinosaur Heritage

If you’re a dinosaur enthusiast in the Baltimore, Maryland area, clear your schedule for this weekend! The Maryland Science Center in the city’s Inner Harbor is hosting the traveling exhibit “Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty,” which promises an immersive experience into the world of dinosaurs.

The exhibit features over 20 dinosaur skeletons, including some of feathered dinosaurs, as well as animatronic dinosaurs and artwork that connects dinosaurs to China’s cultural heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the latest scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, as well as the role they played in Chinese history and mythology.

Highlights of the Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty Exhibit

Dinosaur Skeletons: The exhibit features a diverse collection of dinosaur skeletons, from the tiny Microraptor to the massive Mamenchisaurus. Visitors can learn about the different types of dinosaurs that existed, as well as their unique adaptations.
Animatronic Dinosaurs: The exhibit also includes several animatronic dinosaurs, which bring these prehistoric creatures to life. Visitors can watch as the dinosaurs move and roar, and learn about their behavior and habitats.
Artwork: The exhibit features a variety of artwork that connects dinosaurs to China’s cultural heritage. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, and other works of art that depict dinosaurs in Chinese mythology and folklore.

Educational Value of the Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty Exhibit

The Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty exhibit is not only entertaining, but also educational. Visitors can learn about the latest scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, as well as the role they played in Chinese history and mythology. The exhibit is a great way for students to learn about dinosaurs and paleontology, and it is also a fun and engaging experience for adults.

Planning Your Visit to the Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty Exhibit

The Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty exhibit is open now through September of this year. The Maryland Science Center is located in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. Admission to the exhibit is included with general admission to the museum.

For more information about the exhibit, please visit the Maryland Science Center website.

Other Dinosaur Exhibits at the Maryland Science Center

Even if you can’t make it to the Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty exhibit, the Maryland Science Center has a whole hall dedicated to dinosaurs. The Dinosaur Hall is chock-full of other fantastic dinosaur skeletons, including a Triceratops, a Stegosaurus, and an Allosaurus. Visitors can also learn about the history of dinosaurs, and how they evolved over time.

The Maryland Science Center is a great place to learn about dinosaurs, and it is also a fun and engaging experience for adults and children alike. Whether you’re a dinophile or just curious about these prehistoric creatures, be sure to check out the Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty exhibit or the Dinosaur Hall at the Maryland Science Center.

Hip Anatomy and Flight Posture

One of the key controversies surrounding Microraptor is the position of its hindlimbs during flight. In 2010, a study by Alexander and colleagues proposed that Microraptor held its hindlimbs out to the side like a crocodile, creating a second set of wings. This posture would have allowed it to glide more efficiently.

However, a subsequent study by Brusatte and Brougham challenged this hypothesis. They argued that Microraptor’s hip anatomy, specifically the presence of reduced supracetabular crests and enlarged antitrochanters, would have prevented it from splaying its legs out in the manner proposed by Alexander and colleagues. This would have made the proposed posture “anatomically implausible,” according to Brusatte.

Preservation and Interpretation

The debate over Microraptor’s hip anatomy stems in part from the preservation of the dinosaur’s fossils. The hip specimens used by Alexander and colleagues were crushed flat, which may have led them to mistakenly conclude that the constraining features were absent. However, Brusatte and Brougham argue that even in the crushed state, it is clear that Microraptor possessed these features.

Relationship to Other Dromaeosaurids

Microraptor was closely related to other dromaeosaurid dinosaurs, including Hesperonychus, which was preserved with an uncrushed pelvis. In Hesperonychus, the constraining features of the hip are present, further supporting Brusatte and Brougham’s argument that Microraptor could not have splayed its legs out completely laterally.

Significance in the Origin of Flight

The significance of Microraptor in the origin of flight is still uncertain. Early birds already existed by the time Microraptor lived, and it is possible that it was simply one of many small feathered dinosaurs that independently evolved the ability to glide.

Brusatte argues that it is important to study Microraptor in the context of other dromaeosaurids and troodontids, which varied greatly in size, feathery integument, and presumed lifestyle. To claim that Microraptor’s gliding ability was a precursor to the origin of flight, it must be demonstrated that this ability was retained by the immediate ancestors of birds. This is not certain or even likely, based on current evidence.

Chinasaurs-Dinosaur Dynasty: An Immersive Dinosaur Experience at the Maryland Science Center