Dromaeosaurus

DRO-me-o-SORE-us – “Swift-running reptile” 

Dromaeosaurus dates from the Late Cretaceous (80 million years ago) of Alberta, Canada. This small theropod (“beast foot”) is a close cousin of modern birds and admirably demonstrates the evolutionary dinosaur/bird relationship. In particular, its hollow bones, S-shaped neck, upright posture, advanced hip with down-turned pubic bone, rotatable wrist, and three major claws on its feet are all characteristics shared with birds. Recent finds of similar dinosaurs in China show them to have possessed feathers. The recognition of a close relationship between dromaeosaurs, other theropods, and birds has led to the conclusion that birds should be considered advanced dinosaurs in their own right.