新发现的始祖鸟标本提供恐龙向鸟类演化的关键证据

Core Insights - The discovery of a new specimen of Archaeopteryx, known as the Chicago specimen, provides significant insights into the evolution of birds from dinosaurs, particularly in terms of skull evolution and flight adaptations [1][3][4] Group 1: Research Findings - The Chicago specimen is noted as the best-preserved Archaeopteryx specimen, especially regarding the skull, which is crucial for research [3] - This specimen is the smallest known Archaeopteryx, comparable in size to a pigeon, and retains most of its skeletal structure along with rare soft tissues and feathers [3] - High-precision CT scanning and 3D reconstruction revealed that the specimen has a nearly complete skull, including a well-preserved palatal structure [4] Group 2: Evolutionary Significance - The skull morphology of the Archaeopteryx indicates a transitional phase between non-avian dinosaurs and more agile avian forms, highlighting a key evolutionary stage [4] - The presence of well-preserved soft tissue, particularly the toe pads, suggests that Archaeopteryx had good ground locomotion capabilities, indicating a more diverse lifestyle than previously understood [4] - The Chicago specimen is the first known Archaeopteryx to exhibit tertiary flight feathers, which may have evolved to enhance flight efficiency, marking an innovative adaptation not seen in non-avian dinosaurs [4]