The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-17
Reptilian Birds.

Reptilian Birds.
The Geological Magazine publishes a
very interesting discussion of the af-
fnities of the famous fossil reptile like
bird called "Archeopteryx." The ar
ticle is by Professor H. G. Seeley. 1t
will be remembered that several years
ago an imperfect. skeleton of this singu-
lar being wanting the head, etc., was
found in the Solenhofen States of Ger
many. 1t was deliberately described and
figured by Prof R. Owen, of England.
Within two or three years a second and
much more perfect fossil, with the head,
was found, and an account of it was
given by Prof. Carl Vogt, in the Revue
Scientifq1e for September 18th, 1879.
The authors conclusions and some of his
supported facts are attacked by Prof.
Seeley, and the whole discussion is one of
good deal of interest to the general
student from an evolutionary point of
view"
The Arch@opteryx was a creature
about the size of pigeon, covered with
feathers, and with a tail as long as its
body, supported by numerous vertebre,
pair of feathers corresponding to each
vertebrae-a feature entirely unlike any
existing or known fossil bird. Vogt re-
CARDS it as reptile with bird characters.
He thus sums up the facts with regard
to the skeleton, and concludes that the
head, neck, thorax, ribs, tail, shoulder
glrdle, and whole fore-limb are plainly
constructed as in reptiles. The pelvis
has probably more agreement with that
of birds. The hind foot is that of a
bird. Reptilian afinities, therefore, pre-
vail In the skeleton above all others"
On the other hand, Professor Seeley
remarks:
eff Arch@opteryx is a reptile, it is a
subjective reptile, created by Professor
Vogt by means of theoretical considera-
lions, which can hardly be accepted
without discussion; but the objective
Arch@opteryx seems to show nothing
more reptilian than might have been an
ticipated in an extinct animal, devoid of
the latest Specifications of osteology,
which have been developed in living
birds and have come, therefore, to be re-
garded as class characters and probably
as more important than they really are.
1t would have been reversing of one of
the Oldest canons of natural history to
find well-developed plumage associated
with reptilian skeleton. If the afirma-
ton had been sustained, it would not
nave helped evolution in the least, for it
would have interposed the anomaly that.
with skeleton alleged to be essentially
reptlllan, feathers as we'll developed as
can be found In the existing class of birds
coexisted. There would have been no
transition here, but an incongruity great
er than that of less noble animal
clothed in the skin of lion."
Vogt In discussing the affinities of
Arch@opteryx, remarks that the Gre
taceous birds, so well described by Pro-
lessor Marsh, from further indication
OF the course of avian evolution, but con-
slders that the gap between the birds
with teeth (Odontornithes) and Archeop-
teryx is confessedly very great. Voet
suggests that the ancestors Of birds were
scaly lizards.
Seeley's criticisms are based on Vogt's
account and his photographs and draw
lngs OF the fossil, and he thus concludes.
giving common-sense view of the sub
ject.
VIZ 0DoOhOO VI Gu6 specimen. If
were perhaps wiser to rest in the con.
viction that Archeopteryx is a bird
less modified in structure in the direc.
ton which existing avian osteology has
taken. and, therefore, more easily COM
parable with reptiles, but not neces-
sarily more reptilian or Of inferior or
game grade to the new bird type. Ger
talnly the time has not come when we
can assemble a jury of its inferior kith
and kindred, and accept such verdict
as they may suggest concerning its
genesis; for the astrological structures
which are universal in living birds and
from which the Arch@opteryx departs
are Independent of affinity and among
mammals would not rank as of much
Importance. If the Archeoptervx do
no more than teach us to extend orr
conception of the limits within which
a birds skeleton may range, it will
have enriched silence with moTpholooical
knowledge which is invaluable in its
theoretical bearings. "-Independeat.