Archeopteryx
9.9
A bird-like animal from the Jurassic with feathers and dinosaur features
- noun
- /ˌɑrkiˈɒptərɪks/
- Specialized
:
Arqueopterix
- The Archeopteryx is known as one of the earliest ancestors of modern birds, living during the Jurassic period.
Examples
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Fossils of the Archeopteryx demonstrate its unique features, which combine characteristics of both dinosaurs and birds.
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Paleontologists consider the Archeopteryx a crucial species for understanding the evolution of flight.
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Birds have been on this planet, Miss Daniels, [Door Closes] since archeopteryx, 140 million years ago.
Synonyms
3
9.9
An extinct early bird with dinosaur features
describes the entire genus of early birdlike creatures rather than one specimen
Surface Forms
Archeopteryx singular
Archeopteryxes plural
Etymology
The word Archeopteryx comes from Greek parts archaeo- meaning 'ancient' and -pteryx meaning 'wing' or 'feather'. So Archeopteryx means 'ancient wing', which helps you remember it is an early bird-like animal that links dinosaurs and modern birds.