Archaeopteryx is a genus of bird-like dinosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. The name Archaeopteryx means “ancient wing”, referring to the feathers found on this animal. It was a small animal, measuring about 1 meter in length and weighing around 1 kg.

Archaeopteryx had a combination of bird-like and reptilian features, such as feathers and a long tail, but also had teeth and a jaw structure similar to that of a reptile. It had wings that were capable of powered flight, making it one of the oldest known flying animals.

Archaeopteryx is considered to be a transitional fossil between reptiles and birds, and has been found in the limestone deposits of southern Germany. It has been found in the limestone deposits of southern Germany and was the first bird-like dinosaur found.

Scientists use Archaeopteryx as a pivotal point when studying evolution proving a direct link between modern-day birds to other species of bird like dinosaurs like Deinonychus, Velociraptor or even Onyx.