Archaeopteryx

As evolutionists try to support their case, the Archaeopteryx is often used as a an example of a transitional form between reptiles and birds. This creature is crow sized and was found in Upper Jurassic rocks which (according to evolutionists) are 150 million years old. The claim here is that the species has both the characteristics of a reptile: toothed jaws, clawed fingers, abdominal ribs and an elongated boney tail, and characteristics of a bird: feathers, a wishbone (furcula), and a bird's pelvis. It was classified as a reptile on a skeletal basis before the feathers were noticed.

However, the evidence for this creature being a bird is compelling. No other creatures except birds have features and a wishbone. The primary feathers are like modern feathers, with an asymmetrical design. As for claws on the wings, three birds alive today have claws as well. The Ostrich has three claws on its wings which could be classified as more reptile-like than Archaeopteryx. Some fossil birds did have teeth and others did not.

In addition, James Jensen, a paleontologist, has found what he believes as modern bird fossils in the rocks where a Archaeopteryx was found (J. L. Marx, Science 199:284(1978)), making it a contemporary of modern birds!

Updated: 9/15/95

References:
Berra 1990, 40-43
Gish 1985, 110-117

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