Scientists at the Chicago Field Museum found that the dove-sized posserex fossils in their collection showed a range of previously unknown features involving the earliest known birds, especially the feathers, hands, feet and heads of birds.
Reuters reported that the fossils are one of the 14 known fossils identified since 1861.
The first Archeopteryx fossil showed reptiles and bird-like characteristics, supporting Charles Darwin’s ideas on evolution and suggesting that birds evolved from dinosaurs.
The new study was able to use UV light to figure out soft tissue in Chicago fossils, while CT scans allowed scientists to see details that were still embedded in the rock. Research shows that 164 years after the discovery of the first Archeopteryx fossil, there is more to know about the creatures flying in the Jurassic period 150 million years ago.
The new study says that some of the fossils found to belong to the oldest human ancestors in Western Europe.
The Jurassic bird grand fossils, which lived in what is now Germany, show soft tissue in the Field Museum collection in Chicago and an undated photo in the Field Museum collection in Chicago. (Delaney Drummond/Field Museum/by Reuters Handout)
Anatomical features suggest that while Archeopteryx is able to fly, it may have spent more time on the ground and may have been able to climb trees.
Scientists point out that the fossils exhibit professional feathers called ter bones on both wings. The scientist explained that these tertial bones attach to the humerus of the upper arm and are also the most introverted flying feathers.
However, the small-feathered dinosaur lacks terworms. The discovery of internal flying wings found in many birds today suggests that terworms are specifically used for flight, the researchers say.
"In order to generate lift, the aerodynamic surface must be continuous with the body," said Jingmai O'Connor, a paleontologist at the Field Museum. "So, in order to evolve with feather wings, dinosaurs must fill this gap, as we see in Archeopteryx.
Ancient dinosaur footprints date back to 100 million years of discovery near coastal cities
The Jurassic Bird Superstar’s Life Reconstruction is in an undated image released by the Field Museum in Chicago, living in 150 million years now in Germany. (Michael Rossman/Reuters Lecture Notes)
"Although we've been studying Archeopteryx for more than 160 years, there's still a lot of basic information that's controversial. Is it a bird? Can it fly? The existence of tertials supports the explanation that the answer to these two questions is 'yes'," O'Connor added.
When fossils are excavated, it is preserved in three dimensions, rather than being as flat as many fossils. Scientists are able to prepare soft tissues while also protecting them, and when hit with ultraviolet light, the tissue glows.
The species also displays soft tissue on the hands, which suggests that the first and third fingers are flowing and can be used for climbing. The soft tissue on the toe pads leads scientists to believe that large-scale life spent on the ground and limited flight capabilities.
The Dinosaur Highway tracks can be traced back to 166 million years of discovery in England
A large fossil found in Germany. (Humboldt Natural History Museum Berlin)
Another feature scientists discovered is the roof of the mouth or mouth, confirming that archaeological skulls are immobile, unlike many live birds. However, there is evidence that the first stage of the development of traits, which allows the beak to move independently of the brain bin, as shown in modern birds.
The Chicago fossil has the only vertebrae column of a large close relative, including two small vertebrae at the tip of the tail, indicating a total of 24 vertebrae, more than previously thought.
The museum acquired the fossil last year and said it has been in the hands of a range of private collectors since it was discovered before 1990.
"This specimen is arguably the best Archeopteryx ever, and we are learning a lot of new things from it," O'Connor said.
Field Museum in Chicago (Google Maps)
In March 2018, researchers suggested that Archeopteryx might fly, but unlike modern birds, with fast, brief bursts over short distances.
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Archeopteryx has feathers, just like a modern bird. However, it also has a "long, stiff, feathered tail" and teeth, as well as bones in the hands, shoulders and pelvis that are not fused.
Among the 12 Archeopteryx fossils discovered, the first was discovered by the famous German paleontologist Hermann von Meyer in the late 19th century. A recent amateur collector announced in February 2010 and gave a scientific description in 2018.
Reuters contributed to the report.