Page 216 - The Origin of Birds and Flight

214 The Origin of Birds and Flight

THE ALLEGED INTERMEDIATE FORM:

MONONYCHUS
One of the best-known fossils in the
alleged dino-bird chain is Mononychus, discov-
ered in Mongolia in 1993 and claimed to be an
intermediate form between dinosaurs and
birds. Although not the slightest trace of feathers
was found in this fossil, Time magazine reconstructed
the creature with feathers on the cover of its 26 April, 1993
issue. Subsequent evidence revealed that Mononychus was no bird but a
fossorial (digging) theropod.
The fact that this fossil had a bird-like breastbone and wrist bones
led evolutionists to interpret Mononychus as an intermediate form.
Biased interpretations and support from the media gave the impression
that some proof existed to back this up. However, the anatomical
features depicted as evidence are also found in other animals, such as
moles. These inferences represent no evidence at all and they have only
led to misinterpretations.
Writing to Science News, Richard Monastersky reports, based on
observations, why this fossil cannot be classified;
Mongolian and U.S. researchers have found a 75-million-year-old bird-
like creature with a hand so strange it has left paleontologists grasping
for an explanation. . . Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago notes
that Mononychus had arms built much like those of digging animals.
Because moles and other diggers have keeled sternums and wrists
reminiscent of birds, the classification of Mononychus becomes diffi-
cult. 182
In addition, this fossil is at least 80 million years younger than
Archaeopteryx—which totally undermines any proposed