Scientists at the University of Southampton have solved a long-standing puzzle about how the earliest birds managed to get airborne 150 million years ago, despite retaining numerous dinosaur-like traits. Their research into the archaeopteryx reveals the creature relied on a series of hops to launch itself into the sky. Palaeobiologist Dr Neil Gostling described the species as "the first real bird". Dr Gostling elaborated on the practical mechanics. He said: "Archaeopteryx would have either taken off with a leap, leap, leap and then lots of flapping, or a leap, a flap, another leap and more flapping."