Latest news with #ChicagoArchaeopteryx
Observer
4 days ago
- General
- Observer
This Dinosaur Had Feathers and Probably Flew Like a Chicken
In 1861, scientists discovered Archaeopteryx, a dinosaur with feathers, in 150 million-year-old limestones in Solnhofen, Germany. They didn't know it at the time, but that fossilized skeleton — and the several that followed — provided a key piece of evidence for the theory of evolution, as well as for the fact that birds were actually dinosaurs. Since then, researchers have pored over every detail of available specimens, trying to puzzle out how birds came to fly. So you might expect that such a well-studied fossil species wouldn't be capable of surprises. But in a new paper, a team led by Jingmai O'Connor, a paleontologist at the Field Museum in Chicago, revealed previously unrecorded soft tissues and skeletal details from a new specimen, known as the Chicago Archaeopteryx. What they found also helps explain why some feathered dinosaurs got off the ground, if only for short-haul flights. Many Archaeopteryx specimens are too flattened by geology to discern important skeletal details. The latest specimen, acquired by the Field Museum in 2022, let O'Connor's team address some of the anatomical uncertainties. Unlike other specimens, the bones of the Chicago Archaeopteryx were preserved in three dimensions, allowing the researchers to better evaluate the skull's palate. That showed the earliest signs of an evolutionary trajectory toward the skulls of modern birds. In another accident of fossilization, the carcass's wings were separated from the body, leaving them 'pristinely preserved.' The team confirmed that rather than having two layers of wing feathers, Archaeopteryx actually had three. In modern birds, that third layer helps link the shorter forearm to the body to create a continuous lift surface, which allows for sustained flight. — ASHER ELBEIN / NYT
Economic Times
14-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
How did birds start flying? Scientists find answers through feathered dinosaur fossil
A well preserved Archaeopteryx fossil has offered detailed analysis into the evolution of flight of birds some 150 million years ago, according to a study. This comes more than 160 years after the remains of Archaeopteryx were discovered for the first time. In a new study, published in the Nature journal on Wednesday, scientists have conducted a CT-scan of a nearly complete and uncrushed specimen to gain fresh insights into how birds started flying, The New York Times reported. It all started in 1861 when a group of scientists discovered Archaeopteryx in Germany's Solnhofen. This was found in limestones that were nearly 150 million years old. Back then, they were not aware that the fossilised skeleton, along with the several others that followed, would go on to provide major evidence regarding the theory of fossil in a German quarry had visible feathers that instantly made it one of the earliest known bird candidates, the Guardian reported. This is the first specimen to have been identified with specialised wing feathers on the upper arm bone. The feathers go on to create a smooth aerodynamic line from the wing to body. Dr Jingmai O'Connor, who led the research, said that the Archaeopteryx specimens have changed the way people "see the world" in comparison to other fossils. The paleontologist at the Field Museum in Chicago, along with his team, sheds light on the soft tissues along with the skeleton of the Chicago Archaeopteryx specimen. Although Archaeopteryx is not considered among the firsts in dinosaurs to have 'wings,' O'Connor suggests that it could probably be the earliest known dinosaur that had the capability to fly using its feathers remain missing in other feathered dinosaurs, even though they remain closely associated with research highlights that the wing feathers of those dinosaurs only reached the elbow, adding that "non-avian dinosaurs couldn't fly". However, Archaeopteryx had this ability in it. Also Read: Jamie Lee Curtis regrets undergoing plastic surgery at just 25, reveals the reason behind her decision The latest specimen was owned privately earlier. The Field Museum acquired it in 2022 and put it up for display last Chicago specimen helped the researchers to look into more details into Archaeopteryx and how it could fly. The first time when this fossil was brought to the museum, it had the same colour as its surrounding rock. The researchers even found it difficult to see through most of the on, the Field Museum scientists did CT-scan and illuminated it using the UV light to have its digital map. Chicago Archaeopteryx's bones remained preserved in three dimensions. This helped the team in having a better evaluation of its skull's palate. Also Read : UFC 317 fight card: Dana White announces headliners for vacant lightweight title; other major clashes 1. Could Chicago Archaeopteryx fly?The latest study suggests that the "beautifully preserved" Archaeopteryx had tertial feathers that reveal major details into its flying capabilities. 2. When and where was the first Archaeopteryx fossil discovered? According to reports, it was found in 1861 in 150 million-years-old limestones from Germany's Solnhofen. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
How did birds start flying? Scientists find answers through feathered dinosaur fossil
A well preserved Archaeopteryx fossil has offered detailed analysis into the evolution of flight of birds some 150 million years ago, according to a study. This comes more than 160 years after the remains of Archaeopteryx were discovered for the first time. In a new study, published in the Nature journal on Wednesday, scientists have conducted a CT-scan of a nearly complete and uncrushed specimen to gain fresh insights into how birds started flying, The New York Times reported. Discovery of Archaeopteryx It all started in 1861 when a group of scientists discovered Archaeopteryx in Germany's Solnhofen. This was found in limestones that were nearly 150 million years old. Back then, they were not aware that the fossilised skeleton, along with the several others that followed, would go on to provide major evidence regarding the theory of evolution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo The fossil in a German quarry had visible feathers that instantly made it one of the earliest known bird candidates, the Guardian reported. This is the first specimen to have been identified with specialised wing feathers on the upper arm bone. The feathers go on to create a smooth aerodynamic line from the wing to body. Dr Jingmai O'Connor, who led the research, said that the Archaeopteryx specimens have changed the way people "see the world" in comparison to other fossils. The paleontologist at the Field Museum in Chicago, along with his team, sheds light on the soft tissues along with the skeleton of the Chicago Archaeopteryx specimen. Live Events Although Archaeopteryx is not considered among the firsts in dinosaurs to have 'wings,' O'Connor suggests that it could probably be the earliest known dinosaur that had the capability to fly using its feathers. Such feathers remain missing in other feathered dinosaurs, even though they remain closely associated with birds. The research highlights that the wing feathers of those dinosaurs only reached the elbow, adding that "non-avian dinosaurs couldn't fly". However, Archaeopteryx had this ability in it. Also Read: Jamie Lee Curtis regrets undergoing plastic surgery at just 25, reveals the reason behind her decision Where did the Chicago specimen come from? The latest specimen was owned privately earlier. The Field Museum acquired it in 2022 and put it up for display last year. This Chicago specimen helped the researchers to look into more details into Archaeopteryx and how it could fly. The first time when this fossil was brought to the museum, it had the same colour as its surrounding rock. The researchers even found it difficult to see through most of the soft-tissue. Later on, the Field Museum scientists did CT-scan and illuminated it using the UV light to have its digital map. Chicago Archaeopteryx's bones remained preserved in three dimensions. This helped the team in having a better evaluation of its skull's palate. Also Read : UFC 317 fight card: Dana White announces headliners for vacant lightweight title; other major clashes FAQs 1. Could Chicago Archaeopteryx fly ? The latest study suggests that the "beautifully preserved" Archaeopteryx had tertial feathers that reveal major details into its flying capabilities. 2. When and where was the first Archaeopteryx fossil discovered? According to reports, it was found in 1861 in 150 million-years-old limestones from Germany's Solnhofen.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Feathered fossil shows famed dinosaur could fly (like a chicken)
Archaeopteryx represents a pivotal point in the grand evolutionary journey linking dinosaurs to their avian descendants. But paleontologists still have questions about the Jurassic era animal's anatomy and behavior roughly 165 years after its discovery. One of the most pressing lingering mysteries is how Archaeopteryx managed to fly above its fellow feathered dinosaur relatives. After more than two decades spent in a private collection, one of the most detailed and complete fossil sets arrived at the Chicago's Field Museum in 2022. But before it made its public debut, experts spent a year preparing and analyzing the Chicago Archaeopteryx—and what they discovered is helping paleontologists understand what made the earliest avian dinosaur so special. The team explained their findings in a study published May 14 in the journal Nature. 'When we first got our Archaeopteryx, I was like, this is very, very, very cool, and I was beyond excited,' Jingmai O'Connor, the Field Museum's associate curator of fossil reptiles and paper lead author, said in an accompanying announcement. But despite his initial enthusiasm, O'Connor still had his doubts. 'Archaeopteryx has been known for [so long], I wasn't sure what new things we would be able to learn,' he explained. 'But our specimen is so well-preserved and so well-prepared that we're actually learning a ton of new information, from the tip of its snout to the tip of its tail.' The examinations and preparation weren't without challenges, however. One particular problem was differentiating between the specimen's fossilized remains and its surrounding, nearly identically colored rock matrix. This is where CT scanning came in handy. 'CT scanning was very important for our preparation process—it let us know things like, the bone is exactly 3.2 millimeters below the surface of the rock, which let us know exactly how far we could go before we would hit the bone,' said Connor, noting that this project represents the first time paleontologists have completed a CT scan on a complete Archaeopteryx. All known Archaeopteryx remains have been excavated from a region of limestone deposits located about 100 miles east of Stuttgart in Solnhofen, Germany. Previous studies revealed the Solnhofen limestone fossils possess a unique chemical composition that causes their soft tissues to fluoresce. Knowing this, the team often also turned to UV lighting for extra help in delineating between rock and soft tissues easily missed by the human eye. These even included details as subtle as scales on the bottoms of Archaeopteryx's toes. It's not only its toes that provided valuable insights into the ancient dino-bird—paleontologists are particularly interested in its feet, hands, head, and wing feathers. For example, bones in the roof of its mouth aids experts in understanding the evolution of cranial kinesis, the feature found in modern birds that allows them to move their beak independently of their brain case. 'That might not sound exciting, but to people who study bird evolution, it's really important, because it's been hypothesized that being able to evolve specialized skulls for different ecological niches might have helped birds evolve into more than 11,000 species today,' said O'Connor. The Chicago specimen also offered scientists a never-before-seen physiological detail that appears to finally answer a longstanding question: How could Archaeopteryx (at least briefly) take to the air? 'This is actually my favorite part of the paper,' said O'Connor. '[It] provides evidence that Archaeopteryx was using its feathered wings for flying.' The evidence comes in the form of tertials, a set of feathers located on Archaeopteryx's very long upper arms. Without those tertials, it's unlikely the animal could ever get airborne. 'If you're trying to fly, having a long upper arm bone can create a gap between the primary and secondary features of the wing and the rest of your body,' explained O'Connor. 'If air passes through that gap, that disrupts the lift you're generating, and you can't fly.' Most modern birds solved this issue by evolving shorter appendages to accompany their tertial feathers. But even though Archaeopteryx possessed those long arm bones, it also had proportionately sized tertials. Many of its dinosaur relatives evolved feathers, but they stopped at the elbow and lacked the tertials necessary for flight. 'That tells us that these non-avian dinosaurs couldn't fly, but Archaeopteryx could,' said O'Connor. 'Fly' is likely doing some heavy lifting there, however. Multiple studies suggest Archaeopteryx behaved less like a high-soaring falcon, and more like a chicken capable of gliding shorter distances. That said, the latest research also suggests these sizable feathers may have also served a role in 'visual communication.' Regardless of Archaeopteryx's aerial abilities, the Chicago specimen is continuing to reveal new details about present-day birds' earliest origins. 'Archaeopteryx isn't the first dinosaur to have feathers, or the first dinosaur to have 'wings,'' said O'Connor. 'But we think it's the earliest known dinosaur that was able to use its feathers to fly.'
