Generalist diet of <i>Microraptor zhaoianus</i> included mammals

Gut contents are extremely important for inferring trophic interactions between extinct species. These are, however, very rare in the fossil record and it is not always possible to accurately identify both carnivore consumed organisms. Here we describe remains of a small mammal foot preserved inside body cavity holotype specimen feathered dinosaur Microraptor zhaoianus. This adds known diversity diet this genus, which also birds, fish, lizards. Previous interpretations that was an arboreal hunter birds adept fish supported. Although various stomach would be plausible prey items based on size, there no clear evidence any them were predated rather than scavenged, likely did foraged multiple habitats.