archaeopteryx
By Papo
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Archaeopteryx was the first theropod found to have feathers preserved in its fossils. It is considered to be “the first bird” but, since avians are the descendants of theropods, they are all in the same group. However, Archaeopteryx does show a transitioning to a more airborne mode of existence. It had adaptations for flying, not very well, but it likely could have done so more than its close relatives. Its name means, “Ancient wing” and was very small, on average only 1-2 feet long.
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