Fossil Suggests Feathered Archaeopteryx Probably Flew Like a Chicken
The New York TimesWednesday, May 14, 2025 at 3:02:19 PM
** Scientists studying a remarkably intact fossil of the Archaeopteryx—a feathered dinosaur often considered an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds—have concluded it likely flew in short, frantic bursts, much like a modern chicken. The "Chicago Archaeopteryx" specimen provided rare clues about its wing structure, suggesting it wasn’t a graceful glider but more of a clumsy, ground-bound flapper.
What This Means: ** This discovery shakes up our understanding of early flight evolution. If the Archaeopteryx flapped awkwardly like a chicken, it hints that flight didn’t start with soaring elegance—it was probably a messy, trial-and-error process. For dinosaur enthusiasts, it’s a fun reminder that even iconic "bird ancestors" might have been more comical than majestic.
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