About Archaeopteryx
| Scientific Name (Genus) | Archaeopteryx |
| Meaning of Name | Ancient wing archaio (ancient) [Greek] - pteryx (wing) [Greek] |
| Classification | Saurischia, Theropoda, Archaeopterygidae |
| Total Length | Approx. 50cm |
| Diet | Carnivorous (insects, small animals, etc.) |
| Period | Late Jurassic (approx. 150 million years ago) |
| Species Name | Archaeopteryx lithographica |
| Year of Paper Publication | 1861 |
| Genus Name Publication | von Meyer, H. (1861). Archaeopterix lithographica (Vogel-Feder) und Pterodactylus von Solnhofen. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Geognosie, Geologie und Petrefakten-Kunde. |
The Shifting Throne of the 'First Bird'
Archaeopteryx, discovered in 1861 in the Solnhofen limestone of Germany, is a fossil organism that possesses features of both dinosaurs and birds. Discovered shortly after the publication of Darwin's theory of evolution, it has held a special place in scientific history for over 150 years as a symbol of the 'missing link' and as the 'first bird'.
Archaeopteryx has asymmetrically vaned flight feathers like modern birds, but it also retains distinct theropod dinosaur characteristics, such as a jaw with sharp teeth, three-fingered claws, and a long bony tail.
However, since the 1990s, the discovery of numerous fossils of bird-like feathered dinosaurs in China, such as Anchiornis, has led to a major reassessment of Archaeopteryx's position. The current prevailing view is that while Archaeopteryx is located near the base of the evolutionary tree leading to birds, it is one of many 'bird relatives' and not a direct ancestor of modern birds.
Black Wings and Limited Flight
The extent to which Archaeopteryx could fly has long been a topic of debate. The structure of its shoulder joint would have prevented it from raising its wings fully upwards, making powerful flapping flight like that of modern birds impossible. Additionally, its sternum (breastbone), where flight muscles attach, was small and undeveloped. However, its asymmetrical flight feathers were suitable for generating lift, suggesting it had the ability to glide from tree to tree or make short, running jumps.
In 2011, analysis of melanosomes preserved in the fossils revealed that some of its feathers were black. This black pigment (melanin) would have strengthened the feathers, potentially aiding its flight capabilities. It is suggested that the feathers on its forelimbs and tail were likely black or dark gray, possibly with a white striped pattern. If these feathers were used in courtship displays, it might have attracted mates with a beautiful, high-contrast appearance.
The Solnhofen area, where the fossils were found, was a series of islands in a shallow tropical sea at the time. Archaeopteryx is thought to have lived on these islands, preying on insects and small animals.
Archaeopteryx as a Bird
Archaeopteryx has a wing structure similar to that of modern birds.
Archaeopteryx is not considered a direct ancestor of modern birds.
Its flight feathers have barbs branching off the shaft asymmetrically. These barbs, in turn, have smaller branches called barbules (less than 1mm thick), which are equipped with tiny hooks called barbicels. These hooks interlock with adjacent barbs to form a solid vane.
Archaeopteryx possessed this structure, which is well-suited for flight. However, whether it could achieve powered, flapping flight or was limited to gliding is still debated.
As mentioned earlier, recent research indicates that Archaeopteryx is not a direct ancestor of modern birds. While it is an early bird, it does not lie on the evolutionary branch leading to modern avians. The extent of bird diversification during the Late Jurassic (about 146-141 million years ago), when Archaeopteryx lived, is not yet fully understood.
Archaeopteryx as a Theropod Dinosaur
When Archaeopteryx was discovered in 1861, it was common knowledge that feathers meant bird. Therefore, it was classified as a bird. However, since the 1990s, numerous feathered dinosaurs have been discovered in China and elsewhere. Today, the line between dinosaurs (theropods) and birds is so blurred that it is difficult to draw a clear distinction.
While Archaeopteryx has its avian classification [Class Aves] - [Subclass Archaeornithes] - [Order Archaeopterygiformes] - [Family Archaeopterygidae], it is also considered a type of dinosaur, belonging to the dinosaur classification [Order Saurischia] - [Suborder Theropoda] - [Clade Tetanurae] - [Clade Coelurosauria] - [Clade Maniraptora].
Major Archaeopteryx Specimens
The specimen on which Hermann von Meyer based his 1861 description of Archaeopteryx was a single feather, known as the "Single Feather." There are many other specimens, often named after their location of storage.
The London Specimen (Specimen No. BMNH 37001)
Discovered in 1861, this was the first skeletal fossil found. Although it lacks a skull, it preserves beautiful feather impressions, and nearly the entire skeleton is preserved on a limestone slab measuring 60 cm by 40 cm. It is etched in scientific history as important evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution.
Excavated near Langenaltheim, Germany, in 1861, the specimen was given to a local doctor in exchange for medical services and was later sold to the Natural History Museum in London for 700 pounds. In 1863, Richard Owen at the British Museum of Natural History identified it as *Archaeopteryx macrura*. This name was invalidated in 1961, and it is now considered *Archaeopteryx lithographica*.
The Berlin Specimen (Specimen No. HMN 1880/81)
Discovered in 1874 or 1875, this is the most complete and beautiful specimen. Preserved on a limestone slab measuring 46 cm by 38 cm, it includes a nearly complete skeleton with a skull. It is often hailed as "the world's most beautiful fossil." The image we have of Archaeopteryx is largely based on this specimen.
It was discovered by a local farmer near Eichstätt, Germany, between 1874-75. In 1876, the farmer sold the fossil to buy a cow. It passed through the hands of several buyers between 1877 and 1881 before finally being acquired by the Natural History Museum in Berlin (for 20,000 Goldmarks, which was equivalent to 7168.4g of pure gold).
This complete specimen, including the head, was described as a new species, *Archaeopteryx siemensii*, by Wilhelm Dames in 1897.
The original specimen is housed at the Natural History Museum in Berlin (Humboldt Museum). Replicas are displayed in many museums and are also produced and sold to fossil collectors.
The Solnhofen Specimen (Specimen No. BMMS 500)
Discovered in 1987, this specimen is notable for being larger than others. Although it is missing parts of the head and neck, the rest is well-preserved. It was initially described as a separate genus (Wellnhoferia), but the current consensus is to consider it a species of Archaeopteryx.
This specimen is owned by the municipality of Solnhofen.
The Haarlem Specimen (Teylers Specimen) (Specimen No. TM 6428/29)
Discovered in 1855 near Riedenburg, Germany, this partial fossil consists of parts of the knee and forelimb on a limestone slab measuring 23 cm by 12 cm. In 1857, Hermann von Meyer described it as the pterosaur *Pterodactylus crassipes*, but it was reclassified as Archaeopteryx by John Ostrom in 1970.
In 2017, it was further reclassified into the genus *Ostromia*. It is considered to be closely related to the theropod Anchiornis, discovered in China.
It is currently housed at the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands.
The Eichstätt Specimen (Specimen No. JM 2257)
It has been suggested that this may be a different genus.
Discovered in 1951 near Workerszell, Germany.
It is a pair of slabs (plate and counter-plate). It is presumed to be a juvenile.
It was described by Peter Wellnhofer in 1974, but it may belong to a different genus, Jurapteryx.
It is housed at the Jura Museum in Eichstätt, Germany.
The Munich Specimen (Specimen No. BSP 1999 I 50)
Discovered in 1992 near Langenaltheim, Germany. It was previously known as the Bavarian Specimen.
The matrix measures 53 cm by 43 cm. It is missing the upper jaw but is otherwise complete.
It was described in 1993 by Peter Wellnhofer, the curator of the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology. He also described the Eichstätt specimen and is known for his research on Archaeopteryx specimens, as well as being an authority on pterosaurs.
A 2009 study suggested it was an individual about 300 days old. It was also found that what was initially thought to be a sternum was part of the pubis. Recent studies suggest it may be the same species as the Berlin Specimen, *Archaeopteryx siemensii*.
Archaeopteryx Stamp & Fossil Gallery
