Actually, because of major differences between bird and dinosaur digits
and respiratory systems, these finds show that birds could NOT have
descended from these creatures. Check out the following links for more
info:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/123219.asp
http://www.msnbc.com/news/118914.asp
Here's some excerpts:
A new research study points to the fingers of past and present species to
argue against the now-prevailing theory that birds are the direct
descendants of dinosaurs.
The case for a direct link between dinosaurs and modern birds suffered
another blow when researchers said dinosaurs had more in common with
crocodiles than birds in the respiration department.
Greg.