The full name of the Archaeopteryx is Archaeopteryx lithographica ("ancient wing from the printing stone"). Named after the limestone in which it was discovered (www.talkorigins.org). Limestone was once used for printing because it was very smooth.

Eight fossils have been found of the Archaeopteryx. The first fossil was found in 1860 near Solnhofen Germany. This first fossil was a well preserved and detailed feather.

The second fossil was found in 1861, near Langenaltheim England. This was brought to the British Museum of Natural History in London to be studdied. The fossil was studdied and "failed to recognise the true import of the fossil and merely remarked on it as a 'reptile-like bird'"

(www.talkorigins.org). The importance of the fossil was not understood untill a comparason was made with another dinosaur called the Compsognathus.

The third fossil was found in 1877 near Blumenberg, Berlin. This fossil was found with a complete head. The head was crushed, but was still taken by the Berlin museum for studdy.

Feathers are thought to be modifyed scales due to the scales of modern birds on their legs. The toes of the Archaeopteryx are opposable, which bears a resembalence to modern birds which use this to perch on tree limbs. The wings were able to flap, but as previously mentioned probably could not maintain flight. This means the Archaeopteryx may have been a tree dwelling animal and used the wings for short flight between trees.

The eigth fossil has limited information on it due to its description being in german. It has been classified as a new species of the Archaeopteryx called Archaeopteryx bavarica. It has similar bone structure and feather impressions.

The Archaeopteryx appears to be part dinosaur and part bird. "Unlike modern-day birds, it had teeth, three claws on each wing, a flat sternum (breastbone), belly ribs (gastralia), and a long, bony tail. Like modern-day birds, it had feathers, a lightly-built body with hollow bones, a wishbone (furcula) and reduced fingers"(www.EnchantedLearning.com). This bird was about the size of a crow or a pigeon, and may have flown. It may not have been able to sustain flight for more than a short distance. The wing span was about 1.5 feet and was bout 1 foot long from it's beak to it's tail. It is estimated to have been from 11 to 18 ounces. It had many simularities to modern bi

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