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Smallest Archaeopteryx Fossil Reveals Early Powered Flight Evidence

3/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Chicago Archaeopteryx fossil, the smallest ever found, was discovered in Germany's Solnhofen limestone, highlighting flight evolution.
Field Museum researchers used CT scanning and UV light to examine the fossil, revealing soft tissues in its feet, hands, and wings.
The findings suggest Archaeopteryx may have been the first dinosaur capable of powered flight.
The study in Nature indicates that flight evolved multiple times among dinosaurs.

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Story summary

The Chicago Archaeopteryx fossil, the smallest ever found, was discovered in Germany's Solnhofen limestone, highlighting flight evolution.
Field Museum researchers used CT scanning and UV light to examine the fossil, revealing soft tissues in its feet, hands, and wings.
The findings suggest Archaeopteryx may have been the first dinosaur capable of powered flight.
The study in Nature indicates that flight evolved multiple times among dinosaurs.