Zhong Guo Xin Wen Wang·2025-05-15 02:00Core Insights - The research led by a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Field Museum reveals critical evidence regarding the evolution of dinosaurs into birds, focusing on the newly discovered "Chicago Archaeopteryx" fossil [2][4][6] Group 1: Research Findings - The "Chicago Archaeopteryx" fossil is noted as the smallest known specimen of Archaeopteryx, comparable in size to a pigeon, and is exceptionally well-preserved, including rare soft tissues such as skin, toe pads, and feathers [6][8] - The study utilized high-precision CT scanning and 3D reconstruction techniques, revealing a nearly complete skull with a unique palatal structure, indicating a transitional phase in skull morphology from non-avian dinosaurs to more flexible bird-like skulls [7][8] - The presence of well-preserved toe pads suggests that the "Chicago Archaeopteryx" had good ground locomotion capabilities, indicating a more diverse lifestyle than previously understood [8] Group 2: Evolutionary Significance - The research highlights the discovery of tertiary flight feathers on the "Chicago Archaeopteryx," which may have played a role in enhancing flight efficiency, marking an evolutionary innovation not seen in non-avian dinosaurs [8] - The findings contribute to the understanding of the ecological adaptations and morphological characteristics of early birds, providing a foundation for future studies on fossilized avian skulls [7][8]