Science Stuff
From CNN(http://tinyurl.com/a8cov):
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new analysis of Archaeopteryx, the earliest known birdlike animal, shows it had feet like dinosaurs -- a finding that supports the belief that the birds frequenting backyard feeders today are descendants of mighty ancient carnivores.
...Contrary to what had been thought, the new fossil shows that the first toe was not reversed in Archaeopteryx, as is the case on current birds, according to a team led by Gerald Mayr of Research Institute Schenkenberg in Frankfurt, Germany.
Lack of the reversed toe would hamper the animal's ability to perch like current birds, the researchers said.
On the other hand, it's second toe could be extended, like those of theropod -- beast-footed -- dinosaurs, a group that included such well known examples as T. rex.
It seems like they make some amazing new discovery about dinosaurs every week now.
Also, if you happen by a magazine rack, the December issue of Popular Science has its annual "100 Best Innovations of the Year" feature, and it's always fun reading. Lots of gadgets and cool stuff.
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