Summary:
Scientists have found a new prehistoric bird, Enantiornithine ,with teeth that can break through the hard exoskeletons of organisms such as insects and crabs. They had hard teeth with grooves on the inside surface for extra strength. This is very unique because teeth weren't the main structure evolving most in other species, but the Enantiornithine teeth kept evolving into their diverse dental patterns until they became extinct. at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Connection:
This is relevant because we have been studying evolution in biology. These prehistoric birds evolved into having a great diversity in their teeth unlike any other species at the time. Also, these birds are very much like Darwin's finches because, like the beaks of the finches, the Enantiornithine birds' teeth had to be adapted to fit their new food sources. The birds with the strongest teeth survived, while the less-tough-toothed birds died off.
Article: First Fossilized Bird With Teeth Specialized For Tough Diet
Published: January 7th, 2013
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107082602.htm
Are there any species today that scientists think have Enantiornithine as an ancestor and have the same specialized teeth?
ReplyDeleteWhat were the main structures evolving in most other species at the time that the Enantiornithine were alive?
ReplyDelete