MB.Av.100 ("Berlin Specimen" original fossil slab)
Archaeopteryx lithographica • “Ancient wing of lithographic stone”
The historic transitional fossil bridging non-avian feathered theropods and modern birds, possessing feathered wings alongside toothed jaws and a bony tail.
NHMUK PV R36730 ("Sophie")
Stegosaurus stenops • “Roofed lizard with narrow face”
An iconic plated herbivore possessing alternating osteodermal dorsal plates for thermoregulation or display and four lethal tail spikes (thagomizer) for active defense.
Archaeopteryx lithographica and Stegosaurus stenops were both Jurassic dinosaurs. Their known fossil horizons overlap by approximately 0.5 million years, confirming they coexisted on Earth during the same epoch. Archaeopteryx lithographica was an adapted carnivore, whereas Stegosaurus stenops was a herbivore, representing fundamentally distinct ecological roles. Based on available fossil estimates, Stegosaurus stenops was larger than Archaeopteryx lithographica in both overall length and estimated body mass (approximately 5000× heavier and 18× longer). Estimates vary between individual specimens.
Anatomical dimensions compared on a shared proportional baseline against an adult human (1.8 m / 5.9 ft).
Stegosaurus stenops was longer by approximately 8.5 m.
Stegosaurus stenops stood taller by approximately 3.7 m.
Stegosaurus stenops had a greater estimated mass by 5 tonnes.
Based on available fossil estimates, Stegosaurus stenops was larger than Archaeopteryx lithographica in both overall length and estimated body mass (approximately 5000× heavier and 18× longer). Estimates vary between individual specimens.
Paleontological Note on Mass Estimates: Dinosaur body weights are derived through volumetric laser scanning and femoral circumference scaling equations. Because soft tissue does not fossilize directly, mass values carry statistical margins of uncertainty and represent scientific estimates rather than exact weights.
Direct answers to the most important comparative questions about how these two prehistoric species differed.
Based on available fossil estimates, Stegosaurus stenops was larger than Archaeopteryx lithographica in both overall length and estimated body mass (approximately 5000× heavier and 18× longer). Estimates vary between individual specimens.
Archaeopteryx lithographica was an adapted carnivore, whereas Stegosaurus stenops was a herbivore, representing fundamentally distinct ecological roles.
Archaeopteryx lithographica lived during the Jurassic (Late Jurassic, 150–148 Ma), while Stegosaurus stenops lived during the Jurassic (Late Jurassic, 155–150 Ma).
Fossils of Archaeopteryx lithographica were recovered from Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany, whereas Stegosaurus stenops was discovered in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming.
Archaeopteryx lithographica had a bipedal / volant locomotion, contrasted with Stegosaurus stenops which had a quadrupedal stance.
Their recorded fossil ranges overlap by approximately 0.5 million years (between 150 and 150 Ma). This demonstrates that Archaeopteryx lithographica and Stegosaurus stenops existed on Earth during the same geological epoch. However, chronological coexistence does not automatically prove they shared the exact same localized ecosystem, hunted one another, or directly interacted.
Side-by-side catalog of verified anatomical measurements and geological records.
| Scientific Parameter | A Archaeopteryx lithographica | B Stegosaurus stenops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Binomial | Archaeopteryx lithographica | Stegosaurus stenops |
| Name Meaning | “Ancient wing of lithographic stone” | “Roofed lizard with narrow face” |
| Taxonomic Clade / Group | Theropods | Stegosaurs |
| Geological Period | Jurassic | Jurassic |
| Fossil Time Range | Late Jurassic, 150–148 Ma | Late Jurassic, 155–150 Ma |
| Diet & Trophic Guild | Carnivore | Herbivore |
| Maximum Length | 0.5 m (1.6 ft) | 9 m (29.5 ft) |
| Standing / Hip Height | 0.3 m (1 ft) | 4 m (13.1 ft) |
| Estimated Body Mass | 0 tonnes (1 kg) | 5 tonnes (5,000 kg) |
| Locomotion / Stance | Bipedal / Volant | Quadrupedal |
| Geographic Localities | Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany | Colorado, Utah, Wyoming |
| Geological Formation | Solnhofen Limestone | Morrison Formation |
| Discovery History | Historical holotype | Historical holotype |
Visualizing both species across the 186-million-year span of the Mesozoic Era.
Their recorded fossil ranges overlap by approximately 0.5 million years (between 150 and 150 Ma). This demonstrates that Archaeopteryx lithographica and Stegosaurus stenops existed on Earth during the same geological epoch. However, chronological coexistence does not automatically prove they shared the exact same localized ecosystem, hunted one another, or directly interacted.
Comparing the rock strata, paleoclimates, and ancient landscapes where their fossils were entombed.
Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany
Europe
Colorado, Utah, Wyoming
North America
Stratigraphic Synthesis:
Direct comparisons between extinct animals are inherently shaped by the incomplete nature of the fossil record. Skeletal dimensions reflect holotype or well-preserved paratype specimens, but individual ontogenetic age, sexual dimorphism, and intraspecific variation all influence the true living size of any prehistoric animal.
Body mass estimates shown above represent calculated averages from published volumetric models and biomechanical limb scaling. As modern synchrotron imaging and 3D digital skeletal mounts advance, museum measurements are continually refined.