Author Question: Describe bird evolution as known from the fossil record. What will be an ideal ... (Read 184 times)

ts19998 · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Describe bird evolution as known from the fossil record. What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What were pterosaurs? What adaptations did they have for their unique ability? What will be an ideal response?

IRincones · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The ancestor of birds was probably a small theropod, and some in China have been found with a
featherlike covering. The birdlike Archaeopteryx had dinosaurlike teeth, tail, brain size, and hindlimb
structure, but had feathers and a wishbone, typical of birds. Two fossils younger than Archaeopteryx
have primitive and advanced features

Answer to Question 2

Pterosaurs were flying reptiles. Adaptations for flight included a wing membrane supported by an
elongated fourth finger, light, hollow bones, and the development of the parts of the brain associated
with muscular coordination and sight. At least one has a coat of hair or hair-like feathers, suggesting
that at least this species was endothermic