Most paleontologists now believe that modern
birds are the direct
descendants of
dinosaurs. Specifically,
birds evolved from the group of
theropods called the
maniraptors. This conclusion is based on similarities in
skeletal structure and on
transitional fossils such as
Archaeopteryx.
To avoid perpetuating a false distinction between dinosaurs and their feathered progeny, many paleontologists have started referring to birds as avian dinosaurs. Classical dinosaurs are, of course, non-avian dinosaurs.
So, it turns out that the rumors of the extinction of the dinosaurs have been exaggerated. They walk, hop and fly among us.