When Did Archaeopteryx Live And What Was It Like?

The most ancient Archaeopteryx fossils found dates from about 150 million years ago. It is thought to be the evolutionary link between birds and their ancestors, which were reptiles. Archaeopteryx must have looked a little bit like a modern bird but there are some differences. It had sharp teeth in its jaws instead of having a beak. It also had claws on its wings and a long, bony tail.

Some eminent fossils scientists have argued that Archaeopteryx may have had feathers but it could not fly. Some have suggested that this ancient bird was a ground dwelling animal. Archaeopteryx may have spent most of its time on the ground, running on its hind legs and using its feathers wings to flap about to trap flying insects.
The wings may have been used to make short excursions into the air. It may be that birds that could fly higher survived better and so flight became an evolutionary advantage that was selected for.

It lived in the late jurassic period