Systematics: Archaeopterygidae, Aves/Aviale, Theropoda, Saurischia, Dinosauria, Ornithodira, Archosauria, Diapsida, Reptilia
Habitat: coastal, lagoonal; volant
Archaeopteryx is widely known as the famous «Urvogel» traditionally classified as the earliest bird ever. The taxon is well documented by an isolated feather and more than ten body fossils from the Late Jurassic lithographic limestone of Bavaria (Germany). Archaeopteryx was indeed able to fly. Whether this locomotion was limited to gliding (passive flight) or comprised wing flapping (active flight) is still under debate as is its systematic position.