Re: *Microraptor* the biplane: published

[Anthony Docimo <keenir@hotmail.com>]

> Subject: Re: *Microraptor* the biplane: published
> Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:17:47 -0600

> The 'biplane' configuration for aerial locomotion in _Microraptor_ is an 
> ecomorphological hypothesis.  Metatarsal contour feathers as a character 
> that is primitive for Aves - this is a phylogenetic hypothesis.  If a 
> phylogenetic analysis finds support for the latter, it would corroborate 
> the hypothesis that a biplane configuration is primitive for Aves.  So far, 
> there is no compelling evidence that the direct ancestors of birds passed 
> through a biplane stage.  On the other hand, there is no compelling 
> evidence that they didn't.

What sort of fossil would cinch either side?  If there definitively *was* a 
biplane stage, what might we one day find?  If there definitively *was not* 
a biplane stage, what would we find instead?

*is curious*

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