In the geological timescale, the Tithonian is the latest age of the Late Jurassic Epoch and the uppermost stage of the Upper Jurassic Series. It spans the time between 149.2 ±0.7 Ma and 145.0 ± 4 Ma. It is preceded by the Kimmeridgian and followed by the Berriasian.
Artistic representation of a brachiosaurid, with the Morokweng impactor in the background, moments before impact
The Jurassic-Cretaceous transition saw the extinction of thalassochelydian turtles, such as Plesiochelys
Some studies have argued that sauropods, like Apatosaurus louisae, were strongly impacted by the Tithonian extinction
Image: Emperor Seamounts
Archaeopteryx, sometimes referred to by its German name, "Urvogel" is a genus of bird-like dinosaurs. The name derives from the ancient Greek ἀρχαῖος (archaīos), meaning "ancient", and πτέρυξ (ptéryx), meaning "feather" or "wing". Between the late 19th century and the early 21st century, Archaeopteryx was generally accepted by palaeontologists and popular reference books as the oldest-known bird. Older potential avialans have since been identified, including Anchiornis, Xiaotingia, and Aurornis.
Archaeopteryx
The single feather
Cast of the Maxberg Specimen
Eichstätt Specimen, once considered a distinct genus, Jurapteryx
