Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered the remains of an ancient extinct bird with a skull typical of

.

However, until now, scientists could not understand how this incredible transformation happened.

Science Alert writes about it.

Scientists were studying sedimentary rocks in northern China when they discovered the skeletons of feathered dinosaurs (Cratonavis) and early birds, in particular Confuciusornis (Confuciusornis Santus).

The researchers used high-resolution computed tomography and then used digital versions of the mineralized bones to reconstruct the shape of the skull and skeleton.

The results show that Cratonavis had a head almost the same as that of dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex.

According to paleontologist Zhiheng Li, further studies showed that most Cretaceous birds could not move their beaks separately from the skull and lower jaw.

Researchers believe that the kratonopus is located on the family tree somewhere between the long-tailed Archeopteryx and the ornithothorax.

Another surprising feature scientists have discovered is that the ancient "ptosaurus" had a long shoulder blade and first metatarsal (foot bone), features rarely seen in other dinosaurs and absent in modern birds.

Earlier it became known that researchers discovered a new 

 It was formed, most likely, also 66 million years ago, like the famous Chicxulub crater in Mexico, after the fall of a large asteroid, which is believed to have wiped out almost all the dinosaurs.

A new study could change our knowledge of how the dinosaurs became extinct, as two or more asteroids may have wiped them out.

Read also:

• The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs caused an earthquake that shook the planet for months - scientists

• A complete dinosaur skeleton covered with skin was found in Canada (photo)

• In Portugal, a man accidentally found the remains of a giant dinosaur in his yard