New specimens of Microraptor zhaoianus (Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae) from northeastern China. American Museum novitates ; no. 3381

Abstract

New specimens of the diminutive theropod dinosaur Microraptor zhaoianus are described. These specimens preserve significant morphological details that are not present or are poorly preserved in the holotype specimen, including aspects of the manus, pectoral girdle, dorsal vertebrae, ilium, and sacrum. These specimens were coded into a current matrix of theropod morphological characters. Microraptor is found to be the sister taxon to other dromaeosaurs. Dromaeosaurids are monophyletic and together with a monophyletic troodontid group form a monophyletic Deinonychosauria, which is the sister taxon to Avialae. Apparently small size is primitive for Deinonychosauria, which has implications for bird origins.