scientists from the United States and Britain on the fossil of this chicken ancestor. The 66-million-year-old fossil is said to be the earliest known ancestor of modern birds.
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The discovery of a fossil chicken named Asteriornis maastrichtensis in Belgium. Initially, researchers believed that only ordinary leg bones emerged from crushed rock. Until scientists scanned the fossil, showing a preserved skull appeared on a computer screen. Daniel Field, a University of Cambridge paleontologist said it was one of the most well-preserved fossil bird skulls of any age.
The research team believes the bird is the same size as a small duck. However, with long legs and very similar to modern types of birds, such as chickens, turkeys, quails and birds. Daniel Field, a University of Cambridge paleontologist, said the skull is one of the most well-preserved fossil bird skulls of any era.
"So the fact that these fossils are from such an important time in Earth's history is extraordinary.