Specimens of Archaeopteryx original classification of a new taxon, "Archaeopteryx bavarica". The hind limbs, while showing no morphological differences from previously known specimens, were perhaps the best preserved yet and showed some unprecedented details. For example, the right foot was preserved so tightly flexed that the claws of the first and fourth toes are overlapping, indicating that a grasping or perching function was present in "Archaeopteryx", possibly as sophisticated as that of modern birds. Only the imprints of wing and tail feathers are present, and all sign of feathers comes from the counterslab. No body feathers are evident. The right wing displays a
Specimens of Archaeopteryx under his control and full exposed, his subsequent study and monograph was the first comprehensive description of an "Archaeopteryx" specimen that had not been disarticulated. The Berlin specimen of "Archaeopteryx" is to date the most complete existing specimen of this genus, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fossils in the world. Its well-preserved skeleton and the preserved feathers of its wings and tail have made it of considerable interest to a wide range of scientific study, beginning with Wilhelm Dames and Carl Vogt shortly following its discovery. This iconic fossil preserves the animal with an articulated