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''Archaeopteryx'' is sometimes presented as evidence of evolution because the bones have some characteristics reminiscent of [[reptile]]s, making it appear to be a so-called "[[transitional form]]" between reptiles and birds.  

''Archaeopteryx'' is sometimes presented as evidence of evolution because the bones have some characteristics reminiscent of [[reptile]]s, making it appear to be a so-called "[[transitional form]]" between reptiles and birds.  

There are two criticisms of the ''Archaeopteryx''.  The preeminent British physicist, Sir [[Fred Hoyle]], claimed it to be fraudulent. Another criticism is even if ''Archaeopteryx'' existed, it was a true bird and not a transitional form suggesting evolution.

There are two criticisms of the ''Archaeopteryx''.  The preeminent British physicist, Sir [[Fred Hoyle]], determined it to be fraudulent. Another criticism is even if ''Archaeopteryx'' existed, it was a true bird and not a transitional form suggesting evolution.

== Specimens ==

== Specimens ==

When the scientists requested the ability to use an electronic microscope and carbon-14 dating, the museum refused and withdrew the specimens from the scientists.<ref name="four" />

When the scientists requested the ability to use an electronic microscope and carbon-14 dating, the museum refused and withdrew the specimens from the scientists.<ref name="four" />

The same [[British]] Museum had been responsible for the [[Piltdown Man]] fraud.

The same [[British]] Museum had been responsible for the [[Piltdown Man]] fraud.

Scientists who have since inspected the London ''Archaeopteryx'' and other specimens have conlcuded these fossils are not forgeries<ref>Charig et al. 1986. Archaeopteryx is not a forgery. Science 232: 622-626</ref>. In particular, the found the feathers on the Maxburg fossil continue underneath the bones - precluding the possibility of them being added to a reptile fossil, tiny fractures that could not have been seen at the time of Archaeopteryx's discovery matched in the plate and counter-plate and the 'blobs' cited by Hoyle are also have matching impressions on the counter plate (suggesting they weren't added). The evidence that ''Archaeopteryx'' is not a fraud is so strong that creationist site Answers in Genesis suggests creationists don't use this argument <ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/get-answers/topic/arguments-we-dont-use</ref>

 

The [[Nobel Prize]] committee punished Sir [[Fred Hoyle]] for exposing this fraud by passing him over and giving its award to his underling for work that Hoyle was the undisputed leader on.

===Not a transitional===

===Not a transitional===