Science & Nature · 2
What transitional fossil approximately 150 million years old shows characteristics of both dinosaurs and birds?
Answer
Archaeopteryx
Archaeopteryx is a remarkable transitional fossil from the Solnhofen Limestone in Bavaria, dated to approximately 150.8-148.5 million years ago. Roughly the size of a raven (50 cm body length), it displays numerous avian features like feathers structurally similar to modern bird feathers, yet retained many non-avian theropod dinosaur characteristics. Fourteen body fossil specimens have been found, making it crucial evidence for dinosaur-to-bird evolution.
💡 Did you know?
Archaeopteryx had feathered wings but was probably not a strong flier—it may have used wings for gliding or courtship displays.
Other options people guess
- Confuciusornis
- Hoatzin
- Tiktaalik
Topics
- paleontology
- evolution
- dinosaurs
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