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'''''Archaeopteryx''''', an extinct [[bird]] known from a small number of [[fossil | fossils]], is considered by [[evolution|evolutionary]] biologists to be the first species of [[bird]] to appear on Earth.<ref>"Archaeopteryx is the oldest bird in the fossil record." - John Wells [http://www.discovery.org/a/1106] </ref>  

'''''Archaeopteryx''''', an extinct [[bird]] known from a small number of [[fossil|fossilized]] remains found in southern Germany, is claimed by [[evolution|evolutionary]] biologists to be the first species of bird to appear on Earth<ref>"Archaeopteryx is the oldest bird in the fossil record." - John Wells [http://www.discovery.org/a/1106]</ref>, as well as a so-called "[[transitional form]]" between reptiles and birds.

There are two criticisms of ''Archaeopteryx''.  The first is that the fossils are an elaborate hoax as claimed by the British astronomer and physicist, Sir [[Fred Hoyle]]; the second is that ''Archaeopterix'' is a true bird, and not a transitional form suggesting evolution.

 

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.

== Criticism ==  

== Criticism ==  

===Evidence of fraud===

===Evidence of fraud===

In 1983, a half-dozen leading [[British]] scientists led by noted British [[Fred Hoyle|Radio-astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle]] carefully studied the plates and counter-plates from the two best ''Archaeopteryx'' specimens, and found evidence of forgery.<ref>Sarfati, 2000</ref>  They discovered that the front and back slabs of each specimen do not match.<ref name="four">British Journal of Photography (March-June 1985).<br />W.J. Broad, "Authenticity of Bird Fossil is Challenged," N.Y. Times C1, C14 (May 7, 1985).<br />T. Nield, "Feathers Fly Over Fossil 'Fraud'," New Scientist 1467:49-50.<br />G. Vines, "Strange Case of Archaeopteryx 'Fraud'," New Scientist 1447:3.</ref>

In 1983, a half-dozen leading [[British]] scientists led by noted British [[Fred Hoyle|Radio-astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle]] carefully studied the plates and counter-plates from the two best ''Archaeopteryx'' specimens, and found evidence of forgery.<ref>Sarfati, 2000</ref>  They discovered that the front and back slabs of each specimen do not match.<ref name="four">British Journal of Photography (March-June 1985).<br />W.J. Broad, "Authenticity of Bird Fossil is Challenged," N.Y. Times C1, C14 (May 7, 1985).<br />T. Nield, "Feathers Fly Over Fossil 'Fraud'," New Scientist 1467:49-50.<br />G. Vines, "Strange Case of Archaeopteryx 'Fraud'," New Scientist 1447:3.</ref>

They found that an alteration had been made to the left wing as depicted in an 1863 drawing.<ref name="four" />

They found that an alteration had been made to the left wing as depicted in an 1863 drawing.<ref name="four" />