Early ancestors of birds had wing patterns similar to biplanes, scientists say.
Fossils found in China indicate a dinosaur called Microraptor gui evolved 125 million years ago with sets of upper and lower wings.
The discovery suggests the evolution of flight in birds followed a similar path to the development of human aviation. Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first piloted powered flight in December 1903 in a biplane called the Wright Flyer.
Modern birds are believed to be descended from feathered, tree-dwelling dinosaurs. Some palaeontologists argue that tree-dwelling bipeds began leaping between branches before learning to parachute and developing flight involving flapping. Others say flight evolved in ground-living animals using early wings to power a run up trees and hills....
Dr. Terry Mortenson | 1/15/2009
