Microraptor was a genus of microraptorine dromaeosaur theropod dinosaur that lived in the early Cretaceous in what is now China, around 120 million years ago. Microraptor was a small dinosaur with a length of 0.8 m. Micoraptor, like other microraptorine dromaeosaurs posseses wings on the forelimbs as well as large pennaceous flight feathers on the hindlimbs, giving it a strange four winged appearance. In March 2012, Quanguo Li et al. determined the plumage coloration of Microraptor based on the new specimen BMNHC PH881, which also showed several other features previously unknown in Microraptor. By analyzing the fossilized melanosomes (pigment cells) in the fossil with scanning electron microscope techniques, the researchers compared their arrangements to those of modern birds. In Microraptor, these cells were shaped in a manner consistent with black, glossy coloration in modern birds. These rod-shaped, narrow melanosomes were arranged in stacked layers, much like those of a modern Common starling, and indicated iridescence in the plumage of Microraptor. Though the researchers state that the true function of the iridescence is yet unknown, it has been suggested that the tiny dromaeosaur was using its glossy coat as a form of communication or sexual display, much as in modern iridescent birds.
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Jurassic Park franchise[]
Microraptor was illustrated by Timothy Bradley in the Dinopedia section of the now defunct Jurassic Park Institute. In the image, it is shown chasing a dragonfly.
Games[]
LEGO Jurassic World[]
Microraptor is mentioned in one of the facts given by Mr. DNA over the game's loading screens, despite not appearing within the films.
Jurassic Park Arcade[]
In Jurassic Park Arcade, Microraptor appears as one of numerous antagonists that the player may encounter during their gameplay. Despite its unrealistic and aggressive behavior, this was the first time Microraptor appeared in a Jurassic Park video game.
-see infobox for image
Jurassic World: Alive[]
see Microraptor/JW: A
Microraptor appears in Jurassic World: Alive as an epic cunning flock dinosaur. Unlike past Jurassic Media, the Microraptor’s design is more comparable to that of a bird than a dromeosaurid. However, only one of the three (as there are three individuals in a flock) retains the paleo-accurate black, starling-like feathers.
Jurassic World Evolution 2[]
Microraptor was datamined to be within the game's audio files of Jurassic World Evolution 2, it is currently unknown whether it was cut entirely or part of a future DLC pack.[1]
Behind the Scenes[]
Jurassic World: Dominion[]
Microraptor was originally was considered for the prologue of the film. its role in the prologue would have seen the animal picking at the teeth of Giganotosaurus. In the final cut of the film its role was replaced with Moros, as the latter lived in North America.[2] It is unknown whether or not they would have the black feathers or not seen in its prehistoric counterparts.
References[]
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/jurassicworldevo/comments/18ahuv4/i found audio files_for_4_new_dinosaurs/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/ChrisLikesDinos/status/1574945872978542592
