Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
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Palaeontology: The prehistoric bird Archaeopteryx – a new analysis brings interesting details to light
Archaeopteryx is a key figure in evolutionary biology. It is a transitional form between birds and dinosaurs. A new and well-preserved fossil find of the prehistoric bird Archaeopteryx provides exciting insights into its body structure and way of life. Jingmai O’Connor is a palaeontologist – she leads a team of researchers. A fossil find was examined by the team of researchers and the results of the palaeontologist’s investigations were recently published in the journal Nature.
The specimen comes from the region around Solnhofen in the Franconian Alb, where all known finds of this species to date have been discovered. The find was privately owned for decades. It was only acquired and scientifically analysed by the Field Museum in Chicago in 2022. Apart from one missing finger, the skeleton is completely preserved – a rare stroke of luck in palaeontology.
Plumage with new details
The analysis of the plumage is particularly revealing: using modern micro-CT technology and UV light, it was not only possible to visualise already known flight feathers – so-called primary and secondary feathers – but also, for the first time, so-called tertiary feathers. These umbrella feathers emerge in a fan shape from the elbow area and lie close to the body during flight. They are essential for stable flight in today’s birds, as they smooth the airflow at the transition between wing and body and thus improve lift.
“Our specimen is so well preserved and so finely prepared that we are gaining tonnes of new information. From the tip of the beak to the end of the tail,” explains O’Connor. The tertiary feathers could have played a previously underestimated role in the ability to fly – and have not yet been proven in feathered dinosaurs, which are considered close relatives of birds.
The anatomy of the animal suggests that Archaeopteryx was actually capable of flight – in contrast to many of its feathered dinosaur relatives, whose wings ended at the elbow. The new fossil, however, shows a complete plumage, which is necessary for active flight. The animal’s particularly long upper arm bone could have led to aerodynamic problems without the wing feathers. The team therefore assumes that Archaeopteryx developed specific structures in order to be able to fly efficiently.
The prehistoric bird was not only travelling in the air. Conspicuous toe pads indicate that it also regularly travelled on the ground or possibly even climbed trees – much like pigeons do today. The researchers therefore speak of a ‘mixed terrestrial and arboreal habitat’.
Tail and fingers: small details with great significance
The fossil also provides new insights into other parts of the body. The little finger on the hand was apparently freely movable – a feature that may have been helpful for steering during flight or climbing. And the tail is also surprising: it was previously thought to have 22 caudal vertebrae, but the new specimen has 24 – an indication that Archaeopteryx’s organ of balance was more complex than previously assumed.
The conspicuous size of the umbrella feathers also leads the research team to another hypothesis: it is possible that, in addition to their aerodynamic function, these feathers also fulfil social or communicative purposes – such as visual signalling within the species. In the bird world, conspicuous feather structures are often part of courtship behaviour or territory defence.
Archaeopteryx remains a key figure in the history of evolution – but the picture of this prehistoric bird is becoming increasingly differentiated. The latest findings show: The path to the modern bird was more complex than previously thought – with adaptations not only to flying, but also to life between the ground and trees. The new fossil from Chicago thus not only provides fascinating details about the plumage and anatomy, but also opens up new questions about the behaviour and ecological niche of one of the world’s best-known fossils.
