Study Suggests Theropod Dinosaurs Had Hollow Bones Like Birds

Speedy Summary

• Paleontologists in Argentina confirmed that theropod dinosaurs had hollow bones with air sacs, a feature connected to flight in modern birds.
• The study was published in PLOS One and focused on alvarezsaurids, small theropod dinosaurs primarily found in Argentina from the Late Cretaceous period (83-86 million years ago).
• CT scans of vertebrae from Bonapartenykus ultimus, an alvarezsaurid species, revealed internal cavities linked to lungs through foramina (openings for airflow).
• Hollow bones may have decreased body weight to improve mobility in theropods; large sauropods might have evolved them for structural efficiency rather than flight.
• Scientific debate persists on whether hollow bones evolved independently across different dinosaur groups or were inherited from a common ancestor.

Read More: Theropod Dinosaurs Could have Had Hollow Bones Like Modern-Day Birds

Indian opinion Analysis

This discovery provides deeper insight into evolutionary traits that connect prehistoric dinosaurs with modern birds. For India, where science education faces challenges due to limited access to high-quality paleontology research tools like CT scans, developments such as these emphasize the importance of investing in research infrastructure. By leveraging advanced technologies and interdisciplinary studies like this one, Indian researchers could contribute significantly to global scientific discussions while exploring India’s rich fossil record more thoroughly.

Furthermore, India’s ongoing efforts toward scientific outreach could benefit greatly by incorporating studies linking ancient fossils with living species-topics that intrigue public inventiveness and promote scientific curiosity. Such narratives strengthen public engagement with science and underscore humanity’s collective quest for understanding our shared biological history.