archaeopteryx

[ahr-kee-op-ter-iks]

archaeopteryx Definition

a fossil bird from the Jurassic period that had both reptilian and avian features, considered a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds.

Using archaeopteryx: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "archaeopteryx" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The discovery of Archaeopteryx fossils helped confirm the theory of evolution.

  • Example

    Archaeopteryx is often cited as an example of a transitional fossil.

Phrases with archaeopteryx

  • a dinosaur with feathers, believed to be a precursor to birds

    Example

    Archaeopteryx is considered a feathered dinosaur.

  • an organism that shows characteristics of both ancestral and descendant groups and is considered to be an intermediate stage in the evolution of a species

    Example

    Archaeopteryx is a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds.

  • a geologic period that lasted from about 201 to 145 million years ago, known for the dominance of dinosaurs and the emergence of many modern groups of plants and animals

    Example

    Archaeopteryx lived during the Jurassic period.

Origins of archaeopteryx

from Ancient Greek 'archaios' meaning 'ancient' and 'pteryx' meaning 'wing'

📌

Summary: archaeopteryx in Brief

'Archaeopteryx' [ahr-kee-op-ter-iks] is a fossil bird from the Jurassic period that had both reptilian and avian features, considered a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds. It is often cited as an example of a transitional fossil and a feathered dinosaur. The term 'transitional form' refers to an organism that shows characteristics of both ancestral and descendant groups and is considered to be an intermediate stage in the evolution of a species.