Fact Files

Archaeopteryx

Name	Archaeopteryx lithographica	Information
Diet	Carnivorous	Archaeopteryx was a carnivorous theropod and plays an important role in the study of the origin of birds; most of the fossils discovered include the impressions of feathers. It’s size is compared to that of a raven and had a long tail compared to its body length. Unlike modern day birds, however, it had small teeth along with a bony tail. It is unclear whether or not it was a glider or capable of flapping flight and the lack of a bony breastbone suggests it was not a strong flier.
Height	1ft
Length	1.4ft
Weight	1.8-2.2lbs
Location	Germany, Europe
Era	148-150 million years ago	Interesting Fact
		Despite having so many similarities to the modern day bird, it is not directly ancestral to modern birds which are said to be more related to feathered theropods of the late Cretaceous period.
Name Means	"Ancient Feather/Wing"
Pronunciation	Ar-kee-op-ter-iks
Family	Archaeopterygidae