New Archaeopteryx Fossil Found

Early-bird fossil features dinosaur feet, reinforces dino-bird connection

The new fossil, known as the “Thermopolis specimen,” is incredibly well-preserved. It left clear impressions of its wing and tail feathers in the limestone it was encased in, and the skull is the best-preserved of all the 10 specimens ever discovered. But it may be the feet that prove to be the most important aspect of the find.

“The feet of the new specimen are by far the best-preserved,” study co-author Gerald Mayr told LiveScience.

The feet of previously discovered specimens were sort of scrunched up, making it difficult for scientists to determine toe configuration. That resulted in reconstructions showing feet with a hind toe, typical of modern birds.

But the Thermopolis specimen, discovered in the Solnhoren region of southeastern Germany, clearly shows that Archaeopteryx’s first toe extends from the side of its foot, like a human thumb, instead of backwards. The middle toe could be extended, and it had a large claw at its tip.

This configuration is similar to some late Jurassic dinosaur families, including the claw-footed Velociraptor and its cousins. As scientists consider Archaeopteryx to be the first known bird, this discovery strengthens the argument that modern birds evolved from dinosaurs.

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