Archaeopteryx lithographica

Paleo Profile: Archaeopteryx lithographica. Possibly the most well known feathered dinosaur, Archaeopteryx was thought to be able to fly short distances with its primitive wings. Archaeopteryx is known as a transitional between non-avian dinosaurs and birds; Linking the two together very early on in feather adaptations for dinosaurs. Most unlikely to achieve actual powered flight, this early dinosaur probably moved trhough the air with ease to catch insects on the wing or to escape hungry Jurassic predators. Archaeopteryx was no bigger than a raven, but from meager beginnings feathered dinosaurs like this one were believed to have past their adaptations onto their mighty theropod ancestors. Enjoy!