Icon of evolution: Archaeopteryx

When Hermann von Meyer described a fossilised feather from the Solnhofen Platy Limestones in 1861, he immediately knew that it was a sensational scientific discovery. He named the fossil Archaeopteryx, which means “primeval feather” or “primeval wing”.

Only two years later, it became clear which strange animal the feather belonged to: a mixed creature between reptile and bird. Such transitional forms, referred to as “missing links”, had been predicted by Charles Darwin a few years earlier. Archaeopteryx is an impressive evidence confirming the model of the evolution of species until today. Our fundamental knowledge of the evolution of organisms, from viruses to humans, is based on these fossils.

Was Archaeopteryx a dinosaur, which means a reptile, or was it a bird? Today we know: There were a number of feathered dinosaurs, and it is impossible to draw a line between dinosaurs and birds. Our modern birds are actually dinosaurs!

The fourth skeleton discovery of Archaeopteryx was found near Eichstätt in 1951. It is preserved on two slabs. The specimen was not recognised as Archaeopteryx until 20 years after it was unearthed, because only the shadows cast by side light reveal the feather marks on the wings and tail..

It is the smallest known specimen. Its particularly well-preserved skull has been the subject of intensive research. The specimen belongs to the Episcopal Seminary St. Willibald in Eichstätt, and it is the only complete specimen with an owner in the region of origin. The Jura-Museum was founded in order to let visitors admire this important fossil.

Archaeopteryx lived on the islands in the Jurassic Sea. The animals probably hunted insects and small vertebrates. Wings allowed long jumps with good balance through the tail. Archaeopteryx could probably also climb trees to hunt insects and then simply glide down. In the sparse vegetation, the feathers also warmed the animal on cold nights.