What is the missing link between reptiles and birds?

Question

Maya Anderson · Accepted Answer

Several fossil discoveries have been made which are of organisms better known as 'missing links' but there is no living representative which could be said an intermediate between reptiles and birds.

Most well known of these missing links is the one which was discovered first, in 1861: the Archaeopteryx.

This impression fossil displayed a typical lizard like tail, there were digits ending in claws, in both the limbs but most amazing feature was the feathers covering its body. There was a beak as well.

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Daniel Arnold · Answer

undefined The missing link between reptiles and birds is believed to be theropod dinosaurs, particularly those within the group known as Maniraptora.

Oliver Antoine · Answer

undefined The missing link between reptiles and birds is believed to be a group of theropod dinosaurs, particularly those within the clade Dinosauria. These dinosaurs exhibit a number of skeletal features that are shared with both reptiles and birds, suggesting a transitional stage in the evolution from reptiles to birds. Some well-known examples of these theropods include Archaeopteryx and various species within the group known as Maniraptora. These creatures possess characteristics such as feathers, wishbones, and hollow bones, which are typical of birds, while retaining certain reptilian features such as teeth and a long, bony tail.