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Maniraptora

Maniraptora is a group used in biological classification to cover the birds and the dinosaurs that were related to them. It is a sister group to Arctometatarsalia , and contains the subgroups Deinonychosauria, Oviraptorosauria , Therizinosauria , in addition to Aves (birds).

Maniraptors are characterized by elongated arms and hands, as well as a semi-lunate carpal in the wrist. Other basal maniraptor traits include the presence of a furcula, a distally shortened and stiffened tail, feathers, and an elongated, backwards-pointing pubis. The "killer claw" which characterizes dromaeosaurs may also be a basal trait.

Modern pennaceous feathers, remiges, and powered flight are present in species from several maniraptorian subgroups, including aves and dromaeosauridae.


Last updated: 02-10-2005 07:55:38
Last updated: 02-19-2005 10:47:22