Archeopteryx / Reconstruc
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Archeopteryx / Reconstruc
In 1861, the discovery of the first intact specimen of this earliest and most prmitive known bird set off a firestorm of debate re. evolution & the role of transitional fossils Date: late 19th century
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Media ID 14111581
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1861 Archeopteryx Debate Discovery Earliest Evolution Extinct Feathers Fossils Intact Perch Role Species Specimen Winged Wings Transitional
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print depicts the enigmatic Archeopteryx, the earliest and most primitive known bird, discovered in 1861. With its unique combination of avian and reptilian features, this specimen ignited a fiery debate in the scientific community regarding the role of evolution and the significance of transitional fossils. The Archeopteryx, meaning "ancient winged one," was discovered in the Solnhofen Limestone of Bavaria, Germany. This ancient creature, believed to have lived around 150 million years ago, boasted a body shape reminiscent of a reptile, yet sported a set of feathers covering its body and wings. Its wings, composed of both flight and body feathers, were attached to a shoulder girdle and a long, bony tail, suggesting a connection to both birds and their reptilian ancestors. The discovery of this intact specimen set off a firestorm of debate among scientists, with some arguing that it was evidence of a missing link between reptiles and birds, while others dismissed it as an anomaly. The Archeopteryx's existence challenged the prevailing scientific views of the time, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of the evolutionary relationships between different species. In this print, the Archeopteryx is depicted perched on a branch, its wings folded behind it, as if ready to take flight. The tree trunk in the background and the intricate details of the bird's feathers and skeletal structure highlight the incredible preservation of this ancient creature, which continues to captivate and inspire scientists and the public alike over a century and a half after its discovery.
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