archaeopteryx

/,ɑ:ki'ɔptəriks/

Thân thiện

A paleontologist carefully examines an archaeopteryx fossil in a museum.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An extinct primitive toothed bird from the Jurassic period: Archaeopteryx refers to a specific genus of prehistoric bird-like creatures. It is characterized by having both avian features, such as feathers and wings, and reptilian features, like teeth and a long bony tail. It is a crucial fossil for understanding the evolution of birds from dinosaurs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The archaeopteryx fossil provides key evidence for the dinosaur-bird link.
  • Scientists study the archaeopteryx to learn about early flight evolution.

Advanced Usage

• "Archaeopteryx lithographica": This is the full scientific name for the most well-known species, named for the fine limestone (lithographic limestone) in which its fossils were found.
  • The Berlin specimen of Archaeopteryx lithographica is one of the most complete fossils.

Variants and Related Words

• Archaeornis (n): Another genus of early bird from the same period, sometimes discussed alongside archaeopteryx.
• Protoavis (n): A controversial genus claimed by some to be a bird older than archaeopteryx.

Synonyms

• Urvogel: A German term meaning "original bird" or "first bird," often used synonymously with archaeopteryx.
• Ancient bird: A general descriptive term.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Transitional fossil: Archaeopteryx is often described as a classic transitional fossil between reptiles and birds.
• Feathered dinosaur: While archaeopteryx is classified as a bird, it is closely related to and shares many traits with small feathered theropod dinosaurs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. extinct primitive toothed bird of the Jurassic period having a long feathered tail and hollow bones; usually considered the most primitive of all birds

Từ đồng nghĩa

• archeopteryx
• Archaeopteryx lithographica