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There has been a series of very elegant
studies on the general problem of the evolution of feeding mechanisms in the
origin of birds. The answers to many of the questions raised in this current
thread may be provided here.
Look for:
Evolutionary patterns of avian trophic
diversification. 1997. by Zweers, et al., in Zoology 100: 25-57
Evolutionary transitions in the
trophic system of the wader-waterfowl complex 1997 by Zweers and Vanden Berge.
in Netherlands J. of Zoology 47 (3): 255-287
These papers are by an international
group of ornithologists that use various theropods as the ancestor of birds.
Among other things, the enormous diversity of avian feeding systems is well
illustrated.
Cheers,
Alan H.
Brush
92 High St. Mystic, CT 06355 brush@uconn.cted.edu
860-572-1717 |