Abstract: Since the late 1860s, the first Archaeopteryx were found, the study of bird origin is over 150 years old. It is a point and disputed issues in the field of evolutionary biology in the past 100 years. The dinosaurian origin of birds had gained broad support since the resemblance between birds and theropods was first recognized by Huxley (1868) and other paleontologists. The discoveries of feathered dinosaurs have provided some of the most significant evidence supporting the dinosaurian origin of birds from China. Here described the history of the discovery of Archaeopteryx, also according to this area in the recent progress and existing debate，discussed the issue of Archaeopteryx classified, and the functions of Archaeopteryx. Finally, a simple analysis was made on the origin of birds from a methodological point.

Key words: Archaeopteryx, collections, dinosaurs and birds, origin of birds