Archaeornis

/ˌɑːrkioʊˈɔːrnɪs/ noun

Definition

An extinct genus of early bird-like creature from the Jurassic period, thought to be closely related to Archaeopteryx.

Etymology

From Greek 'archaeo-' (ancient) + 'ornis' (bird). This genus name was created in the 19th century by paleontologists studying Jurassic fossils with both reptilian and avian characteristics.

Kelly Says

Archaeornis is basically an extinct cousin of Archaeopteryx—paleontologists keep finding similar creatures from this period, and each one adds another branch to the dinosaur-to-bird family tree.

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