A Novel Reconstruction of the Skull of Archaeopteryx

The new reconstructions of the Archaeopteryx skull in lateral view and its bony palate reflect the new data obtained from the Munich (7 th ) and Eichstdtt (5 th ) specimens (ELZANOWSKI & WELLNHOFER, 1996). The lateral view shows a unique conformation of the temporal region, which is intermediate between that of theropods and modern birds, and lacks any indication of the articulation between the postorbital and the jugal bar. The bony palate combines the theropod hooked ectopterygoid and the maniraptoran pterygopalatine fenestra with pronouncedly avian features of the palatine and pterygoid. The palate easily compares to that of Gobiptefyx, fills the gap between the theropods and Hesperornis, and shows several palaeognathous similarities.