For over one hundred and fifty years, the extinct species Archaeopteryx has been considered by science to have been the forerunner to today’s birds. Recently, a new discovery has thrown doubts onto this once firmly established belief.
A newly discovered fossil, found in China, is in serious contention with the Archaeopteryx for title of “First True Bird”. In fact, the fossil, dubbed Xiaotingia, may end up proving that both fossils are actually a type of dinosaur, and not the ‘missing link’ of birds. If this proves true, then the true basal fossil bird may not have arisen until much later than previously thought. Several species that have been discovered within the last decade may become rivals for the title “First bird”.
Chinese paleontologist Professor Xu Xing, found the fossil at Shandong Tianyu Museum and immediately realized there was something different about it. Not much is known about the fossil's origins before the museum purchased it from a dealer. Professor Xing remarked, "When I visited the museum which houses more than 1,000 feathery dinosaur skeletons, I saw this specimen and immediately recognized that it was something new, very interesting; but I did not expect it would have such a big impact on the origin of birds."
This discovery also calls into question many scientific hypotheses on the development of early birds. Since the Archaeopteryx has been accepted as the originator of the species, all of our previous theories on their development have been based off of this assumption. Assumptions on the origin of avian flight, diets, and further changes may have to be re-examined in light of this discovery. There is still debate over the exact point where dinosaurs end and birds begin.
Professor Lawrence Witmer, from Ohio University, is the foremost proponent of this new movement for further examination on the origins of birds:
"So, if we don't view birds through this [Archaeopteryx] we might have a different set of hypotheses."
"It's kind of a nightmare for those of us trying to understand it. When we go back into the late Jurassic, 150-160 million years ago, all the primitive members of these different species are all very similar…”
The discovery is still new, and will have to undergo many more tests before being accepted. Even if it is found to not be a true bird the Xiaotingia may still shed some light on some of the last dinosaurs and their relationship to modern day birds.
Prof. Witmer has a lot of hope, and some excitement, looking towards the future. While nothing is certain in the theory behind the evolution of bird, discoveries like this make it clear that we still have a long way to go.
"The reality is, that next fossil find could kick Archaeopteryx right back into birds. That's the thing that's really exciting about all of this."
James E. Murray - I guess I've written enough articles here that I should finally make my profile. My name is James Murray. I am an ex-special operations ...
