Feather asymmetry in Archaeopteryx
Article Abstract:
The argument of J.R. Speakman and S.C. Thomson that Archaeopteryx is incapable of sustained flapping flight, based on the comparison of flight feather asymmetry of Archaeopteryx with the asymmetry of extant birds with differing flight styles, is fraught with errors. The proposed asymmetry values for the feathers are low and their comparison with extant birds is misleading. Actually, feather curvature and vane asymmetry in Archaeopteryx are appropriate for an active, flapping, flight mode.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Postcranial pneumatization in Archaeopteryx
Article Abstract:
Pneumatic features in the primitive avialan Archaeopteryx lithographica have remained elusive. The purported lack of postcranial pneumatic features has raised doubts about the homology between postcranial pneumatic features of birds and non-avialan theropods. Two Archaeopteryx specimens have been rexamined to reveal evidence of vertebral pneumaticity in the cervical and anterior thoracic vertebrae.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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The avian nature of the brain and inner ear of Archaeopteryx
Article Abstract:
Archaeopteryx is the earliest known flying bird. A reconstructed brain case shows that it closely resembles modern birds.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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