Uncover the Ancient Origins of Birds

Origin of Birds

• Scientists believe birds descended from theropod dinosaurs.

Characteristics of Archaeopteryx

• Archaeopteryx shared characteristics with theropods, such as teeth, a long bony tail, and claws on its wings.
• It also had feathers and wings, like modern birds.

Distinctive Features of Archaeopteryx

• Archaeopteryx had a wishbone-shaped breastbone, which is a characteristic of modern birds.
• It had a reptilian-like skeleton, unlike modern birds.

Discovery of Archaeopteryx

• The first known bird, Archaeopteryx, was found in 1861 in Germany.

Transitional Species

• The combination of reptilian and avian characteristics in Archaeopteryx led scientists to identify it as a transitional species between birds and reptiles.
• This discovery provided evidence for the evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs.