The primeval bird visits Senckenberg
Around 150 million years ago, Central Europe was characterized by warm, humid conditions. What is now the Altmühl Valley in Bavaria was dominated by extensive lagoons, whose edges were lined with coral reefs and islands.
Around 150 million years ago, Central Europe was characterized by warm, humid conditions. What is now the Altmühl Valley in Bavaria was dominated by extensive lagoons, whose edges were lined with coral reefs and islands. Fine-grained limestone mud deposited in the basin-shaped depressions between the reef structures solidified over millions of years to form the Solnhofen limestone slabs we know today. These slabs contain remarkably well-preserved fossils – most notably the “primitive bird” Archaeopteryx. A total of 13 specimens have been found to date. The 11th specimen is distinguished by its uniquely preserved plumage and is now on display in the treasure chamber of the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt.
An exhibition space has been built around this valuable original exhibit, presenting the Archaeopteryx and its habitat on the edge of the limestone lagoons of the Bavarian Altmühl Valley. The latest findings from paleontological research have been incorporated into this new themed area of the museum. Among other things, models of the “primitive bird” have been created based on the current state of research, and a computer animation depicts its movement patterns. The path from land-dwelling predatory dinosaurs to today’s birds is discussed step by step: from bone structure and the evolution of bird feathers to the oldest genuine bird fossils from China.
The newly designed “Feathered Dinosaurs” themed area is located between the Dino Hall and the Hall of Whales and Elephants and offers a preview of the New Museum, into which it will be integrated once the museum renovation is complete.
The 11th specimen of the “protobird” Archaeopteryx was made available to Senckenberg by Interprospekt AG. It is part of a private collection managed by Interprospekt AG.
The fossil of the pterosaur Rhamphorhynchus was donated to Senckenberg by Mr. Horst Weiser.
