The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons
Summary
Science Friday host Ira Flatow interviews paleontologist Steve Brusatte about his book, *The Story of Birds*. They discuss how birds are living dinosaurs, tracing their evolution from feathered ancestors like Archaeopteryx to modern species. Brusatte explains how traits like beaks and rapid growth helped birds survive the asteroid extinction that killed other dinosaurs. The conversation also covers extinct giants like terror birds and demon ducks, as well as current threats to bird populations.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Birds as living dinosaurs
Evolutionary transition from dinosaurs to birds
Feathers and wings: Origins before flight
Why birds survived the asteroid extinction
The Demon Duck: Giant Australian herbivore
Terror Birds: South American apex predators
Colossus Penguin: Gorilla-sized ocean predator
Modern bird declines and conservation hope
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