Yi qui is a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 180 million years ago, in what is now China. Discovered in the Tiaojishan Formation of Liaoning Province, this dinosaur is notable for being one of the first known examples of a feathered theropod outside the genus Archeopteryx, making it a key fossil for understanding the evolution of birds.
Yi qui was a small dinosaur compared to other contemporary theropods, with a wingspan of around 0.6 meters and an estimated weight of 400 grams. Its physical appearance was characterized by a thin and agile body, short and robust front limbs, and a long and flexible tail. Its hind legs were long and adapted for bipedal locomotion, suggesting that it was an agile runner.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Yi qui is the presence of filamentous structures similar to feathers that covered much of its body. These primitive feathers, which look more like hairs or bristles than modern feathers, suggest that this dinosaur was feathered to some extent. It is believed that these feathers could have had functions related to thermal regulation, camouflage or even sexual display.
The skull of the Yi qui was small and elongated, with large eyes and sharp teeth adapted for capturing prey. It is estimated that it was an active carnivore that fed mainly on small vertebrates, insects and other small animals that inhabited its environment.
The discovery of the Yi qui has provided valuable information about the evolution of feathers and the transition from theropod dinosaurs to birds. Their study continues to be the subject of research to better understand the relationship between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds, as well as the evolutionary processes that gave rise to the diversity of life forms we see today.
Approximate measurements of the Yi qui:
Yi qui was a small dinosaur compared to other contemporary theropods, with a wingspan of around 0.6 meters and an estimated weight of 400 grams. Its physical appearance was characterized by a thin and agile body, short and robust front limbs, and a long and flexible tail. Its hind legs were long and adapted for bipedal locomotion, suggesting that it was an agile runner.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Yi qui is the presence of filamentous structures similar to feathers that covered much of its body. These primitive feathers, which look more like hairs or bristles than modern feathers, suggest that this dinosaur was feathered to some extent. It is believed that these feathers could have had functions related to thermal regulation, camouflage or even sexual display.
The skull of the Yi qui was small and elongated, with large eyes and sharp teeth adapted for capturing prey. It is estimated that it was an active carnivore that fed mainly on small vertebrates, insects and other small animals that inhabited its environment.
The discovery of the Yi qui has provided valuable information about the evolution of feathers and the transition from theropod dinosaurs to birds. Their study continues to be the subject of research to better understand the relationship between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds, as well as the evolutionary processes that gave rise to the diversity of life forms we see today.
Approximate measurements of the Yi qui:
- 1:6 Scale - Complete
- Length 72mm
- Height 65mm
- Wingspan 95 mm
- 1:4 Scale - Complete
- Length 108mm
- Height 97mm
- Wingspan 143 mm
