<< Ah yes. Feduccia's First Law of ABSRD. "If it has feathers, then it must
be a bird". >>
That's THE biological definition. To say that what is an old common sense
rule of thumb, is "absrd" is in itself absurd.
This comment overlooks a discipline of which Mr. Lurio may be
unaware. It's called "science". In science, definitions change as new
information comes forward demonstrating that the old, standard definition
is no longer sufficient. Feathers were defining characteristics of birds
only as long as we were unaware of the existence of any creatures that had
feathers but did not, for good in sufficient reasons, seem to be birds
otherwise. Now that we are aware of such creatures, and their therefore in
possession of more knowledge than we were when the original definition was
drafted, we must reconsider the definition. That's how science progresses,
or so it seems to me anyway.
--
Ronald I. Orenstein Phone: (905) 820-7886
International Wildlife Coalition Fax/Modem: (905) 569-0116
1825 Shady Creek Court
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 3W2 mailto:ornstn@home.com