Οστά σκελετού και φτερά διατηρημένα μαζί - Απολιθωμένο ζώο - Anchiornis - 55 cm - 45 cm

Scientific Name: Anchiornis huxleyi
Geological Age: Late Jurassic, approximately 160 million years ago
Typical Locality: Jianchang County, western Liaoning Province, China
Stratigraphic Unit: Tiaojishan Formation
Preservation Feature: Co-preservation of skeletal remains and feathers

Anchiornis is a highly representative small, feathered theropod dinosaur discovered in China and serves as a crucial transitional form for studying the evolution of dinosaurs into birds. Living during the Late Jurassic epoch—roughly 160 million years ago—it predates the famous Archaeopteryx and holds a significant place in the history of paleontological research.

The most striking feature of Anchiornis is its plumage; long feathers grew on its forelimbs, hindlimbs, and even its feet, creating a distinctive "four-winged" appearance. This discovery demonstrates that complex feather structures had already evolved long before the emergence of modern birds, providing key evidence for understanding the origin of feathers and the early evolution of flight.

This specimen is preserved within a natural sedimentary rock slab, displaying an outstretched posture that reveals structures such as the skull, cervical vertebrae, torso, and limbs. Extensive dark impressions surround the bones, featuring areas of fine, feather-like texture; the elongated tail structure extends prominently, creating a visually arresting fossil form.

Specimens of early feathered dinosaurs that preserve both skeletal remains and feather impressions possess exceptional qualities for natural history exhibition. Their value lies not only in the state of skeletal preservation but also in the clarity of the feather impressions, the specimen's overall integrity, and the insights it offers into the evolution of prehistoric life.

Specimen Condition: Some detached bones have been reattached; the original feather impressions are authentic, though they have been enhanced to improve visibility.