The age of dinosaurs that took place hundreds of millions of years ago had many diverse animal species. Not infrequently, the shape and characteristics of animals at that time looked unique and strange when observed in the current era.
One example is Urvogel or Archaeopteryx, a species of semi-reptile bird that lived about 150 million years ago in the dinosaur world. This species is also called a feathered dinosaur, because most of its body area is covered by feathers.
Curious as to what more details? Let’s take a look at these 5 facts!
1. The first winged creature to show evolution between birds and reptiles
National Geographic reported that Urvogel was the first winged creature to show an evolution between birds and reptiles. That’s why this winged dinosaur is often called “first bird” or “first bird”.
It is known that Urvogel lived 150 million years ago, during the Early Thitonian period in the Late Jurassic period. Meanwhile, the fossil of this half-reptile bird was first discovered in 1860 or 1861 in Germany.
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2. Complete fossils found in 1874 to 1875
Fosil Urvogel Spesimen Eichst (doc. Wikimedia / H. Raab)–
It was previously said that Urvogel fossils were first discovered in 1860 or 1861. However, the skeletons obtained at that time were incomplete. It wasn’t until 1874 to 1875 that the full version of Urvogel’s fossil was discovered.
Reported Live ScienceThe complete fossil of this half-reptile bird was discovered by a farmer named Jakob Niemeyer in the Eichstatt area, Germany. Later, Niemeyer sold the Urvogel skeleton to Johan Merr which then ended up at the Humboldt fur Naturkunde Museum until now.
Also Read: These 10 Dinosaurs Turns Out To Be Small In Size, Not As Expected
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3. The upper head and neck are hairless
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Urvogel head drawing from scientist (doc. Michael Hanson/Research Gate)–
Urvogel has a unique feature or characteristics, namely all of his body is covered with fur but not with the upper head and neck. That’s why this ancient bird is called a feathered dinosaur.
The appearance of feathers on the wings of Urvogel led scientists to believe that this half-reptile bird could fly. This allegation is supported by a number of facts that have been researched and published in several scientific journals, one of which is a journal published in Nature Communication in 2018.
In the journal written a number of facts that show Urvogel has the ability to fly. However, the way this ancient bird flew is claimed to be different from most modern birds today.
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4. Alleged to include carnivorous animals
Urvogel bird illustration (doc. BSPG via bbc.co.uk)–
Although it is not known for sure what the main food of this half -reptile bird, but scientists believe that Urvogel belongs to the carnivorous animal species. Possibly, these furry dinosaurs ate small reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects.
Urvogel allegedly used his jaw to catch small prey. As for the larger prey, it is the claws that are used to pounce.
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5. Classified as a dinosaur species at the beginning of the 21st century
Fosil Urvogel Spesimen Daiting (dok. wikimedia/H. Raab)–
At the beginning of its fossil discovery in the 19th century, Urvogel was not immediately classified as a dinosaur species. This is because scientists are known to be still confused because the shape and characteristics of the Urvogel are very strange.
Reported Britannica, it was only at the beginning of the 21st century, after the discovery of other bird-like dinosaur fossils, that this ancient bird was classified into a dinosaur species. One of Urvogel’s no less popular relatives is Xiaotingia Zhengi from the Liaoning deposit in China.
The unique characteristics of Urvogel’s body often confuse people who see it. What do you think would happen if they were still alive in the current era?
Also Read: Can Dinosaurs Come Back To Life? Here are 5 Scientific Explanations!
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