Paleontologists: birds learned to fly at least 125 million years ago

Scientists have discovered that the ancient ancestors of birds learned to fly quite a long time - at least 125 million years ago. Previously, the researchers were not sure that a very primitive structure of ancient birds allowing them to rise into the air. More information about the results of the work can be found in the journal Scientific Reports.

The first ancestors of modern birds - archeopteryx - appeared on the planet about 150 million years ago, and they have been found in present-day Germany. Archaeopteryx dimensions do not exceed the size of a crow, and the structure of his body resembled reptiles. The primitive compared to modern birds wing structure makes scientists to doubt whether Archaeopteryx was capable of full flight.

The researchers studied unusually well-preserved wing of an ancient bird that lived on Earth about 125 million years ago. As a result of paleontologists concluded that despite the fact that the skeleton of a bird after all different from the present, the location and strength of the muscles demonstrate the ability of flying creatures. Moreover, according to the authors, made a bird just as its counterparts living today.