The Solnhofen The Solnhofen LagerstattenLagerstatten
Unparalleled Detail inUnparalleled Detail in
Jurassic PreservationJurassic Preservation
The Solnhofen PlattenkalkThe Solnhofen Plattenkalk
Cm scale beds of Cm scale beds of micritemicrite
Extremely fineExtremely fine
Deposited in lagoonDeposited in lagoon
Probably hypersalineProbably hypersaline
Possibly anoxicPossibly anoxic
Little native faunaLittle native fauna
Fossils were washed Fossils were washed into lagooninto lagoon
ArchaeopteryxArchaeopteryxOriginally thought to Originally thought to be a “typical” dinosaurbe a “typical” dinosaur
Recognition of Recognition of feathersfeathers
First bird?First bird?
Could it fly?Could it fly?
Probably not a true Probably not a true birdbird
Newer finds in China Newer finds in China are much more are much more directly linked to birdsdirectly linked to birds
Terminal Cretaceous Extinction: Terminal Cretaceous Extinction: The K-T BoundaryThe K-T Boundary
Mass extinction at the end of the Mass extinction at the end of the CretaceousCretaceousEstimates vary from 15-40% of speciesEstimates vary from 15-40% of speciesMarine organisms – discussed previouslyMarine organisms – discussed previouslyDinosaurs (but you knew that)Dinosaurs (but you knew that)Many non-dinosaur reptilesMany non-dinosaur reptilesMany amphibiansMany amphibiansMany mammalsMany mammalsPlants???? Requires further studyPlants???? Requires further studyWhat was the cause?What was the cause?