Trending Now - Well-preserved Archaeopteryx Fossil Sheds Light on Flight Evolution

WHO:

Jingmai O’Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum, lead author of the study.

Field Museum, organization involved in the study and preservation of the fossil.

WHAT:

Discovery of a nearly intact Archaeopteryx fossil, referred to as the “Chicago Archaeopteryx”.

The Chicago Archaeopteryx is the smallest specimen of its kind ever found, roughly the size of a pigeon.

The fossil reveals soft tissues in the feet, hands, and wings, providing insights into the creature’s anatomy and flight capabilities.

The study published in the journal Nature discusses the evolution of flight in dinosaurs.

Evidence suggests Archaeopteryx may have been the first dinosaur capable of powered flight.

WHERE:

The fossil was discovered in the Solnhofen limestone of Germany.

The fossil is currently housed at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois.

WHEN:

The fossil arrived at the Field Museum in 2022.

The study was published in 2026.

WHY:

The discovery aims to settle the long-standing debate over how flight evolved in dinosaurs.

HOW:

Scientists used advanced CT scanning technology to create three-dimensional images of the fossil without damaging it.

Ultraviolet (UV) light was employed to make soft tissues visible during the preparation process.

CT scanning revealed that the bone was exactly 3.2 millimeters below the surface of the rock, guiding the preparation process.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:21 UTC)

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled a nearly intact Archaeopteryx fossil, known as the "Chicago Archaeopteryx," which is the smallest specimen of its kind ever found, roughly the size of a pigeon. Led by Jingmai O’Connor from the Field Museum, the study published in Nature reveals soft tissues in the creature's feet, hands, and wings, shedding light on its anatomy and potential flight capabilities, while also suggesting that Archaeopteryx may have been the first dinosaur capable of powered flight. The fossil, discovered in the Solnhofen limestone of Germany and housed at the Field Museum since 2022, was meticulously examined using advanced CT scanning and ultraviolet light to enhance visibility of its delicate features.