Late Jurassic, ~149–145 million years agoReputable sourceWell documented
Archaeopteryx and the Origin of Birds
On the timeline · around Late Jurassic, ~149–145 million years ago · The Jurassic
What happened
Archaeopteryx, a small feathered dinosaur from Late Jurassic Germany, had wings, feathers and a wishbone like a bird, yet also sharp teeth, clawed hands and a long bony tail like other dinosaurs. The first specimen was found in 1861 — just two years after Darwin's On the Origin of Species.
Why it matters
It became the iconic 'missing link' showing that birds evolved from dinosaurs, and powerful early evidence for evolution.
How we know
Discovered in the Solnhofen limestone of Bavaria in 1861, Archaeopteryx arrived at the perfect moment to support Darwin's new theory. Scientists now recognise even older bird-like dinosaurs.
Sources
- Natural History Museum. Archaeopteryx · Reputable source