In a first, scientists spot what may be lungs in an ancient bird fossil
But some paleontologists aren’t convinced the preserved structures are respiratory organs
MAIN SLAB Archaeorhynchus spathula was a beaked, feathered bird that lived 120 million years ago. A new fossil discovery suggests it had a respiratory system similar to that of modern birds.
J. Zhang/IVPP Beijing
ALBUQUERQUE — Fossilized lungs found preserved along with an ancient bird may breathe new life into studies of early avian respiration.