Originally Posted by Jim_Gunn

It is neither more reasonable nor more likely that the archeopteryx had anything to do with that previously referenced ancient flying reptile or anything similar to it. Proto-birds and modern birds share a number of very specific characteristics with dinosaurs which were themselves a distinct offshoot from other reptiles. Birds most morphologically resemble dinosaurs as opposed to other retiles, specifically coelurosaurian dinosaurs based on many factors including the shape of their hips, the use of feathers and many other elements. Of course, more evidence may indeed shed more light on the details of bird evolution, but the weight of evidence amonst paleontologists at this point in 2010 is for a direct dinosaur to bird lineage. As it is with science, new evidence may shed more light. An interesting article: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/avians.html