Fossil with preserved soft tissue may prove that Darwin was right
Earth.com • • science
Key Points:
- The "Chicago Archaeopteryx," the smallest and one of the most complete Archaeopteryx fossils, was recently studied at the Field Museum using advanced CT scanning and UV light preparation techniques, revealing unprecedented anatomical details.
- This specimen, discovered in Germany's Solnhofen limestone and acquired by the museum in 2022, shows well-preserved bones and soft tissues, allowing researchers to gain new insights into bird evolution, including features related to cranial kinesis and flight capability.
- Findings indicate Archaeopteryx had long tertial feathers and an upper arm structure that suggest it was likely the earliest known dinosaur capable of true flight, distinguishing it from flightless dinosaur relatives.
- The study supports the idea that flight may have evolved multiple times
