Unearthing the recent paleontologial discoveries, this fascinating popular science book shows that birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs. The discovery of the first feathered dinosaur in China in 1996 sent shockwaves through the paleontologial world. Were the feathers part of a complex mating ritual, or a stepping stone in the evolution of flight? And just how closely related is T. rex to a chicken? Award-winning journalist John Pickrell reveals how dinosaurs developed flight and became the birds in our backyards. He delves into the latest paleontological findings in China, the United States, and Europe and uncovers a thriving black market in fossils and infighting between dinosaur hunters. He also investigates the controversial plan to use a chicken to bring dinosaurs back from the dead. Perhaps dinosaurs didn't die out when an asteroid hit Earth 66 million years ago. This book journeys into the deep, dark depths of the Jurassic to find out what happened.