The recent application of ultraviolet (UV) light and computed tomography (CT) scans to the Archaeopteryx fossil, particularly the Chicago specimen, has unveiled remarkable insights into this pivotal species in avian evolution. The Chicago Archaeopteryx is noted for its exceptional preservation, and the advanced imaging techniques have allowed researchers to identify previously hidden details, including soft tissues such as scales on the toes and intricate feather arrangements that elucidate its flight capabilities . This comprehensive analysis marks a significant milestone as it represents the first complete CT scan of an Archaeopteryx fossil.
The fossil is the first Archaeopteryx in which scientists have been able to identify specialised wing feathers that would have made flight possible. These tertial feathers on the upper arm bone create a smooth aerodynamic line from wing to body and are not seen in feathered flightless dinosaurs that existed alongside the first birds, suggesting that this was a crucial evolutionary change required for lift-off.
Dr Jingmai O’Connor, an associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum in Chicago, who led the analysis, said: “Archaeopteryx isn’t the first dinosaur to have feathers, or the first dinosaur to have ‘wings’. But we think it’s the earliest known dinosaur that was able to use its feathers to fly.
Over 164 years, researchers have pored over every detail of available specimens, trying to puzzle out how birds came to fly. Therefore, you might expect that such a well-studied fossil species wouldn’t be capable of surprises. But in a paper published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, Dr. O’Connor and a team of researchers 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.
Archaeopteryx, which lived about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic Period, was a small animal—the Chicago specimen in particular is the smallest one known, only about the size of a pigeon. Its tiny, hollow bones are preserved in a slab of extremely hard limestone.
Moreover, these technologies have facilitated a more nuanced understanding of the creature's anatomy. The CT scans revealed three-dimensional bone structures and specific features of its skull that contribute to our knowledge about how Archaeopteryx achieved powered flight . Notably, specialized wing feathers extending beyond the elbow differentiate it from other feathered dinosaurs, reinforcing its classification as an early bird capable of aerial locomotion.
This innovative research not only enhances our comprehension of Archaeopteryx but also contributes to broader discussions surrounding avian evolution. The identification of long tertial feathers suggests a complex interplay between arboreal and aerial adaptations in this Jurassic-era bird . By meticulously mapping delicate bones embedded in limestone through CT imaging, scientists can now engage in careful excavation while preserving vital historical evidence. Thus, these findings significantly advance our understanding of evolutionary biology and highlight the importance of technological advancements in paleontological research.
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