Question

Archaeopteryx is known as missing/connecting link because it is a fossil and has characters between
A. Fishes and Amphibians
B. Birds and Reptiles
C. Reptiles and Mammals
D. Chordates and non-chordates

Answer 1

Hint: Connecting link is living organisms which have characters of two different groups of organisms e.g., duck-billed platypus. Missing link are that organisms which are extinct and had characters of two different organisms e.g., Australopithecus (apes and man).

Complete answer:
Archaeopteryx is a genus of bird-like dinosaurs which is transitional between non-avian feathered dinosaurs and modern birds. Archaeopteryx is derived from Greek words: ‘archios’ means ‘ancient” and ‘pteryx’ means “feather'' or “wing”. Two species of Archaeopteryx are: A. Siemens and A, lithographica. Archaeopteryx was first described as the ‘missing link’ between reptiles and birds in 1861 and then as a missing link between dinosaurs and birds. Archaeopteryx is said to be a communication link between reptiles and birds as the teeth and tail of birds are close to those of reptiles and reptiles look like birds and have bird wings. This suggests that birds have evolved from reptilian ancestors.
Reptilian features of Archaeopteryx: - Jaw with homodont teeth, ribs with single head, long tail, hind limb had four digits ending with claws, forelimbs modified into wings and three digits ending in distinct claws.
Bird’s features of Archaeopteryx: - jaw modified into beak, forelimbs modified into wings, limb bones have their first toe opposable, foot with clawed digits, feathery exoskeleton, and skull bones completely fused.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Archaeopteryx seemed to be confirming Darwin’s theories and plays a vital role in study of origin of dinosaurs and birds. It also helps in the study of evolution. Palaeontologists look at Archaeopteryx as transitional fossils between dinosaurs and modern birds.