Compares the metatarsal structural design (subarctometatarsus) of recently discovered Chinese feathered dinosaurs with the metatarsus (arctometatarsus) possessed by more advanced theropod dinosaurs and the metatarsus of more primitive forms. The subarctometatarsus was proved to be an intermediate structure. Additionally the metatarsus appears to co-incide with the evolution of the avian feather suggesting a possible relationship between the subarctometatarsus's evolution and the evolution of avian flight
Notes
Submitted to the School of Life and Environmental Sciences of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Deakin University
Thesis (M.Sc.)--Deakin University, Victoria, 2007
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-86)