Microraptor and Birds

[Dino Guy Ralph <dinoguy@sbcglobal.net>]

How are Aves and Avialae currently defined?  Is either clade closer to
synonymy with the colloquial term, "bird"?

Now, on to _diagnosis_.  What synapomorphies -- if any -- banish
_Microraptor gui_ from inclusion into either clade, and -- in light of
the unfortunate circumstance that no one has had the privilege of
personally seeing all relevant life forms evolving and radiating over
millions of years -- how has this set of distinguishing synapomorphies
been determined?  Do different taxonomists use different sets of
synapomorphies to determine membership for these clades?

Thanks!

--------Ralph W. Miller III
            ralph.miller@alumni.usc.edu

"Be careful what you wish for."
"I want more feathered fossils."     ( :>