Why is Archaeopteryx called a connecting link between reptiles and birds?

Explanation

Importance of Archaeopteryx as connecting link. The fossil forms representing characters of the two distinct groups of living animals are known ps missing links. The best example of missing link is afforded by a fossil bird, Archaeopteryx. It was of the size of a crow. Archaeopteryx is decidedly a bird as it has feathers and a beak. But like reptiles it has a long tail, jaws full of teeth, claws on fore fingers and keelless sternum. Thus it represents a stage between reptiles and birds through Archaeopteryx like intermediate form.
Reptilian characters. (1) Presence of similar teeth in jaws. (2) Each finger ending into a claw. (3) A long tail with free caudal vertebrae. (4) Presence of weak and keelless sternum.
Avian characters. (1) Presence of feathers on body. (2) Rounded cranium. (3) Forelimbs modified into wings and have three fingers. (4) Presence of four toes. (5) Presence of furcula or wish bone.