Four-winged birds may have been first fliers

19:00 19 May 04

The first birds were probably four-winged gliders, and only later evolved
into the sophisticated flapping fliers with light skeletons and two wings
that we see today. This view of avian evolution is supported by a new study
of Archaeopteryx, the most famous bird fossil, which reveals it had long
feathers on its back and legs, as well as on its wings.

The first Archaeopteryx was discovered 140 years ago, and is now kept in
Germany's Humboldt Museum in Berlin. Over the years there have been
anecdotal reports that faint feathers can be seen on its hind legs.

These have now been confirmed by an analysis of the specimen by zoologist
Per Christiansen of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and
palaeontologist Niels Bonde of Copenhagen's Geological Institute.

They report that Archaeopteryx had contour feathers clustered along its
back, around the legs and possibly on the base of its neck (Comptes Rendus
Palevol, vol 3, p 99). The feathers are surprisingly modern-looking and
similar to plumage seen on birds today, say the researchers.

Read the rest at NewScientist
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99995013

Comment:
If all four limbs were dedicated to flying, what did they walk on?  One is
reminded of small mammal gliders that have a flap of skin between the front
and rear legs, but four wings?

Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek.
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