The Science Corner

A new analysis of Archaeopteryx, the earliest known birdlike animal, shows it had feet like dinosaurs - a finding that adds weight to the belief that the birds frequenting backyard feeders today are descendants of mighty ancient carnivores. While not all scientists agree, many consider Archaeopteryx the first bird, since it had wings and was the first fossil found with feathers.

Only a few fossil specimens have been found so details are not abundant, but a new one that has been discovered is one of the most complete. However, it shows that the first toe was not reversed as in modern birds. This would make it difficult to perch in trees and indicates another similarity between dinosaurs and birds.

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