Re: Theory Sez Flight Evolution Linked To Parental Care

[Dino Guy and Computer Gal <gbabcock@best.com>]

> >Excerpts:
> >
> >... This concept
> >diverges from the commonly held notion that birds evolved beaks because
> >they weigh less than teeth and so are better adapted for flight.
>

Patrick Mellor writes:

>      not because they weigh less, beaks have developed so many times
> independently in amniotes, probably simply because of continuous cutting
> surface + self sharpening + reduced metabolic cost compared to bone + teeth.

Yes, I've wondered how much weight savings one derives from replacing teeth with
a beak, and loading your gizzard with grit or stones to process food!


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Ralph W. Miller III   ralph.miller@alumni.usc.edu