The remains of a small bird are giving scientists a rare look at early ancestors of modern birds. Scientists believe it may be the oldest known fossil from this group of animals. Researchers are calling the ancient creature Wonderchicken. They say the fossil dates back to right before an asteroid hit the earth, killing off dinosaurs and other creatures. The researchers released a report describing a partridge-sized bird, whose scientific name is Asteriornis Maastrichtensis. It lived in coastal wetlands more than 66 million years ago during Earth’s Cretaceous Period.

What is a fossil?
a very old man or woman who does not like children
any preserved remains, impression, or trace of a once-living thing from a past geological age
the term used for a professional who studies dinosaurs
the name of a scientific journal for paleontologists
What size was the ancient creature found by the researchers?
the size of a large ostrich
the size of a hummingbird
the size of a pelican
the size of a partridge-sized bird
Researchers are calling the ancient creature Wonderchicken.
Wonderchicken
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