Scientists at the Field Museum of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery with a remarkably preserved Archaeopteryx fossil, providing new insights into avian evolution. This fossil, one of the most complete known specimens, contains details about the bird’s feathers, hands, feet, and head, shedding light on its unique flight adaptations. Using UV light and CT scans, researchers were able to reveal soft tissues and intricate structures, supporting the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The study highlights how the discovery of specialized feathers known as tertials suggests the evolution of flight. The research also underscores the importance of this transitional species from the Jurassic period, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to understand its role in the evolutionary timeline.