Archaeopteryx used consecutive jumps to achieve flight speed

Researchers from the University of Southampton suggest that Archaeopteryx—a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds from 150 million years ago—took off using two or three consecutive jumps. Computer modeling indicates this mechanic allowed the animal to reach the speed required for sustained flight without relying on powerful chest muscles, which the species lacked. Anatomical Constraints of Early Flight The primary obstacle for Archaeopteryx was its anatomy. The animal lacked a keeled sternum, the bone structure necessary for attaching the powerful flight muscles found in modern birds. Additionally, the limited mobility of its shoulder joint prevented it from raising its wings high above its back, making the sharp, explosive takeoff characteristic of many contemporary birds impossible. To determine how the animal became airborne, scientists integrated Archaeopteryx's anatomical data with measurements from modern birds, including gulls, magpies, crows, and chaffinches. The model analyzed muscle power and the forces acting on the hip, knee, and ankle, revealing that the hind limbs bore the primary load during takeoff.