Question

How many of the following are characters of Archaeopteryx ? Feathers on body, strong sternum, Teeth absent in jaws, jaws modified into beak, hind limbs modified into wings :–

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

One

Answer 2

Archaeopteryx is an extinct genus of bird-like dinosaurs that is transitional between non-avian feathered dinosaurs and modern birds. It exhibits characteristics of both reptiles and birds.

Let's evaluate each given character:

1. Feathers on body: Yes. Archaeopteryx is renowned for possessing well-preserved feathers, a key avian characteristic.
2. Strong sternum: No. Archaeopteryx had a weak, unkeeled or very weakly keeled sternum. A strong, keeled sternum (keel or carina) is present in modern flying birds to provide a large surface area for the attachment of powerful flight muscles. Its weak sternum suggests it was a poor flier.
3. Teeth absent in jaws: No. Archaeopteryx had teeth in its jaws, a reptilian characteristic. Modern birds are toothless and have beaks.
4. Jaws modified into beak: No. Archaeopteryx possessed jaws with teeth, not a beak. The modification of jaws into a beak (without teeth) is a feature of modern birds.
5. Hind limbs modified into wings: No. In birds, the forelimbs are modified into wings for flight. The hind limbs are typically adapted for walking, perching, or swimming. Archaeopteryx had forelimbs modified into wings, but its hind limbs were adapted for walking and perching.

Out of the given list, only "Feathers on body" is a characteristic of Archaeopteryx.

Therefore, the number of correct characters is one.