Re: Jeholornis

["Brad McFeeters" <archosauromorph2@hotmail.com>]

> > From the site,
>
> Abstract:  The recently reported Jeholornis represents the only known bird 
> with a complete long skeletal tail except for Archaeopteryx.

Does _Rahonavis_ not count because its tail isn't completely known, or 
because it isn't a "bird"?

> More interestingly, the tail feathers are shaped more  like those of 
> >dromaeosaurs than those of Archaeopteryx.

Are there any other feathers preserved?  Two or four wings?  :)

> We conclude  that the common ancestor of birds must have a more >primitive 
> tail  than that in Archaeopteryx, confirming the side branch >position of  
> Archaeopteryx in the early avian evolution.

Should that be said about _Archaeopteryx_ when _Jeholornis_ is clearly a 
side-branch?   Which tail shape allows for better flight ability?

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