Re: T.Rex Feather Skepticism

[Ronald Orenstein <ron.orenstein@rogers.com>]

At 11:48 PM 9/15/2005, Michael Habib wrote:
> Incidentally, in regards to the previous point about deriving 
> precociality from altricial lineages: I cannot think of any 
> instances of a truly 'altricial' lineage leading to one labeled as 
> 'precocial'.

I wonder if ducks might show something approaching this - the 
sister-species to all other ducks, the Australian Magpie Goose 
(Anseranas semipalmata), and the screamers (Anhimidae), which are 
ducks' closest living relatives, feed their young after hatching, a 
habit known otherwise only in the Australian Musk Duck (Biziura 
lobata).  That doesn't make their young altricial, I admit, but it 
does imply a greater degree of dependance.  Young screamers spend 
much of their time in the water, apparently because they have yet to 
develop the ability of running and hiding in the reeds.


Ronald Orenstein
1825 Shady Creek Court
Mississauga, ON L5L 3W2
Canada
905-820-7886
905-569-0116 fax
ron.orenstein@rogers.com