Beipiaosaurus did not fly but may have used the feathers for insulation. That species, identified after Chinese farmers discarded the bones, thinking they had no commercial value, was unveiled earlier this year. These dinosaurs support the concept that early feathers evolved for insulation or display rather than flight. The discoveries mean that depictions of many species may have to change as museums rethink the appearance of these precursors of modern birds. When they were small, they could have used the feathers for warmth.
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