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.
FMNH PR 2081 ("Sue")
Tyrannosaurus rex • “Tyrant Lizard King”
Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest terrestrial carnivores of all time, roaming western North America just prior to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. With…
Archaeopteryx lithographica lived during the Jurassic, while Tyrannosaurus rex inhabited the Cretaceous. They were separated by roughly 80 million years of deep time and never encountered one another in the ancient world. Both species shared a carnivore diet, occupying comparable trophic levels in their respective food webs. Based on available fossil estimates, Tyrannosaurus rex was larger than Archaeopteryx lithographica in both overall length and estimated body mass (approximately 8400× heavier and 24.6× longer). Estimates vary between individual specimens.
Anatomical dimensions compared on a shared proportional baseline against an adult human (1.8 m / 5.9 ft).
Tyrannosaurus rex was longer by approximately 11.8 m.
Tyrannosaurus rex stood taller by approximately 3.4 m.
Tyrannosaurus rex had a greater estimated mass by 8.4 tonnes.
Based on available fossil estimates, Tyrannosaurus rex was larger than Archaeopteryx lithographica in both overall length and estimated body mass (approximately 8400× heavier and 24.6× 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, Tyrannosaurus rex was larger than Archaeopteryx lithographica in both overall length and estimated body mass (approximately 8400× heavier and 24.6× longer). Estimates vary between individual specimens.
Both species shared a carnivore diet, occupying comparable trophic levels in their respective food webs.
Archaeopteryx lithographica lived during the Jurassic (Late Jurassic, 150–148 Ma), while Tyrannosaurus rex lived during the Cretaceous (Late Cretaceous, 68–66 Ma).
Fossils of Archaeopteryx lithographica were recovered from Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany, whereas Tyrannosaurus rex was discovered in Western North America (Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alberta, Saskatchewan).
Archaeopteryx lithographica had a bipedal / volant locomotion, contrasted with Tyrannosaurus rex which had a bipedal stance.
Archaeopteryx lithographica and Tyrannosaurus rex did NOT live at the same time. They were separated by an immense temporal gulf of approximately 80 million years. Archaeopteryx lithographica lived and went extinct tens of millions of years before Tyrannosaurus rex ever evolved.
Side-by-side catalog of verified anatomical measurements and geological records.
| Scientific Parameter | A Archaeopteryx lithographica | B Tyrannosaurus rex |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Binomial | Archaeopteryx lithographica | Tyrannosaurus rex |
| Name Meaning | “Ancient wing of lithographic stone” | “Tyrant Lizard King” |
| Taxonomic Clade / Group | Theropods | Theropods |
| Geological Period | Jurassic | Cretaceous |
| Fossil Time Range | Late Jurassic, 150–148 Ma | Late Cretaceous, 68–66 Ma |
| Diet & Trophic Guild | Carnivore | Carnivore |
| Maximum Length | 0.5 m (1.6 ft) | 12.3 m (40.4 ft) |
| Standing / Hip Height | 0.3 m (1 ft) | 3.7 m (12.1 ft) |
| Estimated Body Mass | 0 tonnes (1 kg) | 8.4 tonnes (8,400 kg) |
| Locomotion / Stance | Bipedal / Volant | Bipedal |
| Geographic Localities | Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany | Western North America (Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alberta, Saskatchewan) |
| Geological Formation | Solnhofen Limestone | Hell Creek Formation, Lance Formation, Scollard Formation |
| Discovery History | Historical holotype | Barnum Brown (1902); described by Henry Fairfield Osborn (1905) (1902) |
Visualizing both species across the 186-million-year span of the Mesozoic Era.
Archaeopteryx lithographica and Tyrannosaurus rex did NOT live at the same time. They were separated by an immense temporal gulf of approximately 80 million years. Archaeopteryx lithographica lived and went extinct tens of millions of years before Tyrannosaurus rex ever evolved.
Deep-time perspective: Archaeopteryx lithographica and Tyrannosaurus rex were separated by approximately 80 million years. A visitor encountering one would have had no concept of the other.
Comparing the rock strata, paleoclimates, and ancient landscapes where their fossils were entombed.
Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany
Europe
Western North America (Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alberta, Saskatchewan)
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.