Chicago Archeopteryx: How do birds start flying? Scientists find answers through feather dinosaur fossils

A study shows that well-preserved Archeopteryx fossils have conducted detailed analysis of the evolution of bird flights about 150 million years ago. This is more than 160 years after the first discovery of Archeopteryx’s body.

In a new study published Wednesday in Nature Daily, scientists performed a CT scan of an almost complete and unbreakable specimen to gain new insights on how birds start flying, according to the New York Times.

Discover Archeopteryx

It all started in 1861 when a group of scientists discovered Archeopteryx in Solnhofen, Germany. This is found in nearly 150 million years of history of limestone. At that time, they did not know that the fossil bones and several others would continue to provide the main evidence about evolution.
According to The Guardian, the fossils in German quarry have visible feathers, making it immediately one of the earliest known bird candidates. This is the first specimen to identify specialized wing feathers on the upper arm bone. Feathers continue to create a smooth aerodynamic line from the wings to the body.

Dr Jingmai O’Connor, who led the study, said Archeopteryx specimens changed the way people “see the world” compared to other fossils. Paleontologists at the Chicago Field Museum are lit up with his team and the bones of the Archeopteryx specimen in Chicago.

Although “wings” were not considered in the dinosaurs at first, O’Connor dinosaurs could not fly.” However, Archeopteryx has this ability.

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Where did Chicago specimens come from?

The latest specimens were privately owned earlier. The Field Museum acquired it in 2022 and backed it up last year.

This Chicago specimen helped researchers investigate more details on large-scale details and how they fly. When the fossil was first brought to the museum, it was in the same color as the surrounding rocks. Researchers even found it difficult to see most of the soft tissues.

Later, on-site museum scientists performed a CT scan and illuminated it with ultraviolet light to have a digital map. Chicago’s large-scale bones are preserved in three dimensions. This helps the team to better evaluate the taste of their skull.

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FAQ

1. Can Chicago big tail fly?
Latest research shows that the “well-preserved” archaeology has feathers, revealing the main details of its flight capabilities.

2. When and where was the first Archeopteryx fossil discovered?
It was reportedly found in 1861 in 150 million-year-old limestone in Solnhofen, Germany.