The Evolution of Birds
If you go outside in any area of the world one of the first things you will see are birds, but did you know that birds have not always existed? From the small hummingbird to the majestic eagle, they all evolved from the once living dinosaurs.
When did they start evolving?
The earliest signs of birds appeared in the Mesozoic era during the Jurassic period. Over 200 million years ago dinosaurs started to evolve into the birds we see in every part of the world today.
What changes did the dinosaurs undergo?
- Developed feathers
- Developed flight
- Developed changes in bone structure
What proof do we have?
Over the years, geologists have found remarkable fossils indicating the transition between bird and dinosaur.
Archaeopteryx Sinornis Caudipteryx
Fossil of the Archaeopteryx Fossil of a sinornis Fossil of a Caudipteryx
Archaeopteryx - The Archaeopteryx was one of the major discoveries in the study of how birds evolved. The Archaeopteryx had feathers and may have been able to fly or simply glide. Although similar to modern day birds the Archaeopteryx had teeth which was used for a carnivorous diet of organisms such as frogs, lizards, and various insects. Modern day birds do not have teeth.
Sinornis - The Sinornis was one of the final dinosaurs-birds that existed before modern day birds came to be. It had a vertebrae closer to those of modern day birds, and it had wrists that were adjusted to be capable for extended and better flight.
Caudipteryx - The Caudipteryx was a dinosaur that resembled a bird dramatically. The Caudipteryx had feathers, a beak, and bird like teeth. It was a probably a swift runner and they most likely possessed the diet of an omnivore. The caudipteryx was not capable of flight much like the modern day ostrich.
Sinornis - The Sinornis was one of the final dinosaurs-birds that existed before modern day birds came to be. It had a vertebrae closer to those of modern day birds, and it had wrists that were adjusted to be capable for extended and better flight.
Caudipteryx - The Caudipteryx was a dinosaur that resembled a bird dramatically. The Caudipteryx had feathers, a beak, and bird like teeth. It was a probably a swift runner and they most likely possessed the diet of an omnivore. The caudipteryx was not capable of flight much like the modern day ostrich.
What did they look like?
Although it is uncertain, this is what geologists believe the bird-dinosaurs looked like.
Archaeopteryx Sinornis Caudipteryx