Explore the fascinating world of Archaeopteryx in this 52-minute lecture by Dr. Jon Noad from Gran Tierra Energy. Delve into the palaeontological history and ecological niche of this iconic Late Jurassic creature, often considered the transitional species between dinosaurs and birds. Discover the stories behind the twelve known specimens, their remarkable preservation in the Solnhofen Limestone, and the unique depositional environment that led to their fossilization. Learn about the comparative anatomy of Archaeopteryx, its similarities to both birds and small theropod dinosaurs, and recent studies on its plumage and potential for flight. Examine the taphonomy, growth curves, and hunting behaviors of this magpie-sized creature, and consider the ongoing debates surrounding its ability to fly and its place in avian evolution. Gain insights into the spectacular pterosaurs and invertebrates that shared Archaeopteryx's world, and understand why this 150-million-year-old fossil continues to captivate scientists and the public alike.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Taking flight
The Solnhofen Limestone
Feather weather
Depositional setting
Toxic chemistry
Solnhofen in the late Jurassic
Shark Bay lagoonal analogue
Archaeopteryx fossils
Quilling news: the first leather (1861)
Knock me down with a leather
The London specimen: a bird in the hand (1861)
The Berlin specimen free as a bird (1875)
Maxberg Specimen (1956)
Munich Specimen (1992)
Taking the Bird: lumpers and splitters
Taphonomy: two birds with one stone
The final bird bath
Anatomy most fowl
Comparing Archaeopteryx and Dromaeosaurus
Bird brain
A bird in the hand...
Spread your wings
Caught with your pants down
Big bird: growth curves
Has the bird flown? Could Archaeopteryx fly?
Was Archovopteryx a blackbird?
Hunting... to eat like a bird
Flights of fancy-extending the Magpie analogue
Invertebrates
Spectacular pterosaurs
Summary
Thank you
References (3)
Taught by
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
