| Name | Archaeopteryx | Diet | Herbivorous |
| Name Meaning | “Ancient Wing” | Wingspan | 0.7 meters (2.3 feet) |
| Pronunciation | Ar-kee-op-ter-iks | Length | 0.5 meters (1.64 feet) |
| Era | Mesozoic – Late Jurassic | Weight | 0.5-1 kilograms (1.1-2.2 pounds) |
| Classification | Dinosauria, Saurischia & Theropoda | Location | China (Asia) |
Archaeopteryx Pictures
The Archaeopteryx
The Archaeopteryx, also called the ancient wing, lived in Germany during the Late Jurassic.
It was a small avian dinosaur equipped with flight feathers.
Today, the genus consists of three species: A. lithographica, A. siemensii, and A. albersdoerferi.
The members of this genus are now widely recognized as transitional creatures, connecting non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds.
Brace yourselves, as we have prepared some jaw-dropping details about the Archaeopteryx!
Physical Characteristics
The Archaeopteryx was a very small avian dinosaur.
In fact, it has been compared to the size of a modern-day raven – that is if it reached its maximum size.
The Archaeopteryx measured approximately 0.5 meters (1.64 feet) long and weighed between 0.5 and 1 kilogram (1.1-2.2 pounds).
Supposedly, it had a wingspan of up to 0.7 meters (2.3 feet), but this size may differ slightly between species.
Although the Archaeopteryx had a typical modern bird appearance, it still featured many non-avian theropod dinosaur characteristics.
Some specialists argue the Archaeopteryx was most similar to the members of the Dromaeosauridae family of theropods.
For example, the Archeopteryx had long bony tails, small teeth, and clawed hands, which hasn’t been observed in birds.
It also had broad wings which were rounded at the ends.
The wings were equipped with flight feathers, one of the most notable features of the Archaeopteryx and by far the most significant discovery linking it to modern birds.
The structure of its flight feathers was similar to those of modern birds, having a barb-barbule-barbicel arrangement.
The Archaeopteryx’s tail was also covered in feathers and exhibited firm vanes.
As for the plumage covering the rest of the body, very little is known, and while specialists did study the body plumage of a specimen discovered in Berlin, they couldn’t confirm the details to be true for every Archaeopteryx species.
Still, the discoveries are of major significance, and hopefully, other well-preserved specimens will be recovered and will help scientists get a more complete picture of this aspect.
Here’s what is known about the Archaeopteryx Berlin specimen:
- It had feathers on the legs, which were firm enough to support flight.
- It had a patch of pennaceous feathers on its back, which were symmetrical and firm.
- The rest of the plumage probably consisted of fine feathers that looked more like fur than feathers.
- It was likely featherless on the upper neck and head, although this hasn’t been fully confirmed yet.
Upon studying and identifying the structure of the melanosomes (which respond for the synthesis, storage, and transport of melanin), specialists confirmed that the results resembled what is known about 87 modern bird species.
It was then concluded that there was a 95% possibility that the plumage was predominantly black.
Since black melanosomes are known to strengthen the flight feather, specialists consider this coloration possible.
Other studies show that the fossilized cover feather belonging to the Archaeopteryx was entirely matte black, but it cannot confirm anything about the rest of the plumage.
Habitat and Distribution
The Archaeopteryx genus is known from twelve body fossil specimens and a feather.
However, over the years, one specimen was reclassified.
All these fossils were recovered from the following localities:
- Near Workerszell, Germany (the Eichstätt Specimen)
- The Mörnsheim Formation, Daiting, Suevia (the Daiting specimen)
- An Altmannstein quarry near Schamhaupten, Bavaria (the twelfth specimen)
- The Blumberg quarry, near Eichstätt, Germany (the Berlin specimen and the Solnhofen specimen)
- Near Langenaltheim, Germany (the London specimen, the Maxberg specimen, and the Munich specimen)
In short, the Archaeopteryx was widely distributed across Germany, and it lived during the Late Jurassic.
Scientists indicate that the Archaeopteryx habitat was roughly on the same latitude as modern-day Florida, although the climate was drier.
This is backed up by fossilized plants, which show clear adaptations to arid environments.
Paleontological discoveries revealed that Archaeopteryx specimens likely lived in the islands surrounding the Solnhofen lagoon, which were, as mentioned, semi-arid and sub-tropical.
They also likely had a long dry season and little to no precipitation.
Behavior and Diet
Scientists aren’t yet entirely sure what kind of lifestyle the Archaeopteryx had.
Some suppose it was primarily terrestrial, contradicting others who favor an arboreal lifestyle.
The first theory is supported by the fact that trees were likely either very scarce or completely absent in these creatures’ habitats.
Despite this, they might have still lived in shrubs.
The second theory is based on the fact that the Archaeopteryx had curved claws, which might have served as an aid in climbing trees.
Other specialists indicate that the Archaeopteryx was adapted for both ground and arboreal moving, and it was also well-specialized in moving along the shores.
Now, you’re probably wondering whether the Archaeopteryx could fly.
The short answer is yes; it could fly because it had asymmetrical feathers, with the general rule being that flightless birds typically have symmetrical feathers.
On the other hand, this theory is now up for debate, as it has been proven that some flightless birds have asymmetrical feathers, suggesting that the degree of asymmetry observed in Archaeopteryx shows it could only fly slowly.
Additionally, scientists aren’t sure yet whether the Archaeopteryx was just a glider or could engage in flapping flights, and since it lacked a bony breastbone, it was likely a bad flier.
The structure of its shoulder joint shows that it likely couldn’t lift its wings above its back, which is essential in flapping flight.
The rounded shape of the wings indicates that the Archaeopteryx might have adapted to flying through trees and shrubs.
Other scientists proposed another theory, however.
Supposedly, the Archaeopteryx used its wings and tail not to fly but rather for an extra lift while running over water, a technique observed in basilisk lizards.
This could have helped it extend its feeding grounds and escape predators (if any).
Studies on the Archaeopteryx brain showed that it had keen eyesight and hearing.
It likely also had a well-developed balance and spatial perception and the required coordination abilities that would enable it to fly.
Things are just as mysterious regarding the diet of the Archaeopteryx, and it is generally considered an omnivorous dinosaur, but no direct evidence confirms this.
While some studies on dental microwear show it was primarily an invertivore (meaning it fed on invertebrates), other studies focusing on body mass show it fed on vertebrates.
On the other hand, the jaw structure is proof of a herbivorous lifestyle and a diet consisting of hard-shelled organisms.
Life Cycle
Like all dinosaurs and modern birds, the Archaeopteryx reproduced by laying eggs.
Unfortunately, very little is known beyond that, as no fossilized Archaeopteryx eggs were discovered.
Some scientists attempted to provide egg size estimations based on the diameter of the pelvic opening.
They suggested a length of 25-30 mm (0.99-1.18 in) and a width of 14-18 mm (0.55-0.7 in).
Nevertheless, these estimations remain pure speculation.
Any information relating to nesting, incubation, and embryonic development remains unknown.
It has also been suggested that Archaeopteryx hatchlings likely grew slower than modern birds.
The growth rate and basal metabolic rate of Archaeopteryx individuals have been compared to those of modern flightless kiwis.
Presumably, Archaeopteryx babies required at least 970 days, meaning almost three Late Jurassic years, to attain adult size.
Other avialans like Confuciusornis and Ichthyornis had a faster growth rate, closer to that of modern birds.
Evolution and History
At the time, the Archaeopteryx was regarded as the oldest known bird.
However, the discovery of other avialans like Xiaotingia and Anchiornis placed it on a lower rank.
Despite this, it remains one of the most important members of the Theropoda clade and is considered a candidate for being a transitional genus between non-avian dinosaurs and birds.
The first fossil belonging to the Archaeopteryx genus was discovered in 1860 or 1861 and described shortly after by Hermann von Meyer. The thing is, it was a feather. Just a feather!
The feather was initially associated with Archaeopteryx lithographica.
Although it remains taxonomically associated with this genus, many scientists still debate its provenance.
Either way, this feather is widely regarded as the oldest example of a bird feather.
Around the time of the feather discovery, the first Archaeopteryx skeleton was recovered near Langenaltheim, Germany.
It was named Archaeopteryx macrura, and over the years, multiple specimens were unearthed from various regions in Germany.
All fossils carried essential information that helped specialists outline the evolutionary history of birds and dinosaurs.
The most complete Archaeopteryx specimen is the Berlin specimen, discovered sometime between 1874 and 1875.
This specimen consists of a well-preserved skeleton and excellent wing and tail fossils.
Interactions with Other Species
Since Archaeopteryx specimens come from the Solnhofen limestone, which is impressively rich in fossils, these dinosaurs likely had much fun around many other creatures.
Well, the degree of fun is debatable, of course, considering the competition for food.
Here are some prehistoric animals the Archaeopteryx likely shared its habitat with:
- Insects
- Cephalopods
- Numerous fish species
- Ichthyosaurs like Aegirosaurus
- Dinosaurs like Compsognathus
- Lizards like Ardeosaurus and Bavarisaurus
- Turtles like Eurysternum and Palaeomedusa
- Rhynchocephalians like Homoeosaurus and Sapheosaurus
- Crocodylomorphs like Alligatorellus, Dakosaurus, and Geosaurus
- Pterosaurs like Aerodactylus, Anurognathus, and Germanodactylus
Considering that Compsognathus was likely the top land predator in their habitat and fed on small vertebrates like those belonging to the Bavarisaurus genus, we can assume that the Archaeopteryx didn’t have any natural predators.
Cultural Significance
The naming of the Archaeopteryx marked several significant paleontological events.
These events include:
- The discovery of one possible oldest known bird (meaning members of the Avialae clade), which led to a better understanding of dinosaur and bird evolution.
- The discovery of a possible candidate for representing the transitional fossils between non-avian dinosaurs and birds, meaning its fossils share similarities with both groups of animals.
- The discovery of the most impressive evidence that feather evolution dates way before the Late Jurassic.
As such, the Archaeopteryx is now one of the world’s most renowned and well-studied dinosaurs, making it quite popular in the media as well.
Here are some Archaeopteryx media appearances you won’t want to miss:
- Fantasia (film)
- King Kong (film)
- Dino Dana (TV series)
- The Lost World: Jurassic Park (film)
- ARK: Survival Evolved (video game)
- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (film)
- Dinosaur World Mobile (mobile game)
- Natural History Museum Alive (documentary)
Conclusion
The Archaeopteryx is a genus of avian dinosaurs that lived in Germany approximately 150.8-148.5 million years ago.
This genus was named from a single feather and was, over the years, equipped with the description of over ten specimens.
The Archaeopteryx was as small as an Eurasian magpie, reaching a maximum size similar to a raven’s.
Although it has been extensively studied, especially due to its connection with modern birds, many aspects regarding its lifestyle remain unknown.
For example, although it had flight feathers, scientists aren’t sure how good of a flier it was.
Hopefully, future discoveries and studies will carry more information about this genus.
FAQs
Where can I see Archaeopteryx?
You can see Archaeopteryx fossils at the Natural History Museum of Berlin, the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, the Jura Museum in Eichstätt, and the Paleontological Museum in Munich.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeopteryx
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleobiota_of_the_Solnhofen_Formation
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756958/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20070209063731/http://dinosauria.com/jdp/archie/archie.htm
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.203.4384.1021
- https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21146-archaeopteryx-was-robed-in-black/
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/JA/c3ja50077b#fig3
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bies.201500018
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7528088/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solnhofen_Limestone
- https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app51-305.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849612/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38957284_How_Archaeopteryx_could_run_over_water
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8519158/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031018217302262
- https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/1/1/15/1503244
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