Re: Birds, dinosaurs, and digit 1

[Adam Yates <zooamy@zoo.latrobe.edu.au>]

On Fri, 24 Oct 1997 WOlewiler@aol.com wrote:

> Alan Feduccia, chair of biology at University of N.C., Chapel Hill, is
> co-author of an article in Science stating that microscopic examination of
> bird embryos shows no sign of digit 1, even in vestigial form. "We consider
> this unequivocal evidence that birds" did not evolve from dinosaurs. Reason:
> Dinosaurs had digits 1, 2, and 3; birds have digits 2, 3, and 4, with no sign
> of a digit 1, even in embryos.
> 
I'm probably missing something here but if birds do not even show an
embryological digit 1 in front of the alula, then why can't the alula
represent digit 1 ? 

Adam Yates