A prehistoric bird, Archaeopteryx is best described as a feathered dinosaur with wings. Archaeopteryx is considered proof that birds developed from dinosaurs, because it had the traits of both. The name Archaeopteryx means “ancient wing.”

Where and when Archaeopteryx lived

Archaeopteryx lived about 159 to 144 million years ago, during the period of the Earth's history known as the Jurassic. All known Archaeopteryx remains have been found in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Scientists were able to classify Archaeopteryx as a bird because the fine-grained limestone in this region has perfectly preserved impressions of the animal's delicate feathers. Archaeopteryx lived in a tropical environment on islands among coral lagoons. Low, scrubby evergreens were the tallest trees that grew on the islands.

Physical features

Archaeopteryx ranged in size from that of a blue jay to that of a large chicken. It reached 2 feet (60 centimeters) in length and had a wingspan of 2 feet (60 centimeters). It developed long forearms, which were specially adapted to support feathers. Its primary wing feathers match those of modern pigeons, showing that Archaeopteryx could fly or glide. Archaeopteryx also shared several features with a group of small, meat-eating dinosaurs, however. One major similarity was the presence of well-developed teeth. Like these dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx had a long, slender and flexible neck. It had long leg and foot bones, and it had claws on its hands. Archaeopteryx had a long, bony tail, as well. The only difference was that feathers were attached along each side of its tail.

Behavior

Some scientists believe that Archaeopteryx took off by running along the ground and leaping into the air, flapping its wings forcefully. However, other experts believe that Archaeopteryx probably did not have the well-developed breast muscles used by modern birds to take off from level ground. These experts believe that Archaeopteryx most likely spent a lot of time perched in low-growing trees. It may have used its long, sharp claws to haul itself up the trunks of the trees. The animal could then simply launch itself from atop the low branches and glide out on short flights. When it was not in the trees it is possible that Archaeopteryx swam and fished in the lagoons surrounding the islands on which it lived. It may have wandered along the beach, searching for crabs, washed-up fish, worms, and insects. Archaeopteryx, like both dinosaurs and modern birds, reproduced by laying eggs.