始祖鸟

Archaeopteryx is considered the earliest known bird, bridging the gap between dinosaurs and modern avians.
始祖鸟被认为是已知最早的鸟类，它是恐龙与现代鸟类之间的过渡物种。
The discovery of the Archaeopteryx fossils in the 19th century revolutionized our understanding of the evolution of birds.
19世纪发现的始祖鸟化石彻底改变了我们对鸟类进化的理解。
The most distinctive feature of Archaeopteryx is its combination of reptilian traits, such as teeth and a long bony tail, with avian characteristics like feathers and a wishbone.
始祖鸟最显著的特征是其结合了爬行动物的特性，如牙齿和长骨尾，以及鸟类特征，如羽毛和叉骨。
The fossilized remains of Archaeopteryx have provided crucial evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection.
始祖鸟的化石遗骸为自然选择进化理论提供了至关重要的证据。
Despite having wings and feathers, Archaeopteryx was likely unable to fly great distances due to its relatively small size and underdeveloped flight muscles.
尽管拥有翅膀和羽毛，但因为体型相对较小且飞行肌发育不全，始祖鸟可能无法进行远距离飞行。
Comparisons between Archaeopteryx and other early feathered dinosaurs have helped paleontologists understand the gradual development of flight in ancient birds.
通过将始祖鸟与其他早期有羽毛恐龙进行比较，古生物学家得以了解古代鸟类飞行能力的逐步演化过程。
Some scientists argue that the name "Archaeopteryx" should be reserved exclusively for the first specimen discovered, while others use it more generally to refer to the entire species.
一些科学家认为，“始祖鸟”这个名字应该仅保留给最初发现的那个标本，而其他人则更普遍地用它来指代整个物种。
The discovery of additional specimens of Archaeopteryx has helped clarify some aspects of its anatomy and behavior, revealing more about this fascinating transitional form.
始祖鸟更多标本的发现有助于阐明其解剖结构和行为特征，揭示了这种迷人的过渡形态更多的信息。
The presence of Archaeopteryx in the Late Jurassic limestone deposits of southern Germany suggests that the transition from dinosaurs to birds occurred in Laurasia during the Mesozoic Era.
始祖鸟出现在晚侏罗纪德国南部的石灰岩沉积层中，表明恐龙向鸟类的转变发生在中生代的劳亚大陆上。
The Archaeopteryx's unique features make it an iconic symbol of the intricate process of evolutionary adaptation that led to the diversity of life we see today.
始祖鸟独特的特征使其成为当今生命多样性背后复杂进化适应过程的一个标志性象征。