For decades, paleontologists have debated the question of whether birds evolved from dinosaurs. While scientists still don't know the absolute answer, the discovery of the pigeon-sized Microraptor has rekindled the origin-of-flight debate, sparking new investigation and fascinating 3-D modeling. The smallest adult dinosaur ever found, the perfectly fossilized Microraptor was uncovered in layers of volcanic ash in eastern China. Sporting feathered wings on its arms and legs, Microraptor appeared to be the missing link between dinosaurs and birds (an honor previously bestowed upon the feathered Archaeopteryx). This NOVA episode follows rival teams of paleontologists, aeronautical engineers, and paleo-artists as they attempt to reconstruct working models of Microraptor from several examples of its fossilized remains. Several theories and anatomical configurations are tested in trial-and-error experiments, but the definitive explanation for Microraptor's four-winged design remains curiously elusive. Could this puzzling creature actually take flight from a ground-running start, or was it the first tree-dwelling dinosaur, gliding from tree to tree like today's flying squirrels? Offering a compelling illustration of scientific methodology and theoretical revision in light of new discoveries, this fascinating program—which includes printable materials for educators—is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)
The Four-Winged Dinosaur
(2008) 54 min. DVD: $19.95. WGBH Boston Video. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-59375-822-6. Volume 23, Issue 5
The Four-Winged Dinosaur
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: