Archaeopteryx, sometimes referred to by its German name Urvogel (original bird or first bird), is a genus of early bird that is transitional between feathered dinosaurs and modern birds. It lived in the Late Jurassic period around 150 million years ago ha
Archaeopteryx, sometimes referred to by its German name Urvogel (original bird or first bird), is a genus of early bird that is transitional between feathered dinosaurs and modern birds. It lived in the Late Jurassic period around 150 million years ago having characteristics of both birds and dinosaurs. It could grow to about 1 foot 8 inches in length. Despite its small size, broad wings, and inferred ability to fly or glide, Archaeopteryx has more in common with small Mesozoic dinosaurs than it does with modern birds. It had jaws with sharp teeth, three fingers with claws, a long bony tail, and hyper-extensible second toes (killing claw). Many scientists regard it as evidence that birds evolved from small carnivorous dinosaurs. It confirms Darwin's theories and has become a key piece of evidence for the origin of birds, the transitional fossils debate, and confirmation of evolution.
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