Which statement best describes the current scientific view of birds? A) a group of feathered, ectothermic lizards that lack teeth B) a group of flying mammals that are derived from monotremes, which also lay amniotic eggs C) a group of flying, endothermic reptiles that have lost teeth, the amniotic egg, and other heavy body features as an adaptation for flight D) a group of feathered, endothermic dinosaurs

Question

Skyler Cruz

Biology

31 May, 13:36

Which statement best describes the current scientific view of birds? A) a group of feathered, ectothermic lizards that lack teeth B) a group of flying mammals that are derived from monotremes, which also lay amniotic eggs C) a group of flying, endothermic reptiles that have lost teeth, the amniotic egg, and other heavy body features as an adaptation for flight D) a group of feathered, endothermic dinosaurs

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Answers (1)

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Mercedes Harvey · Answer 1

D) a group of feathered, endothermic dinosaurs

Explanation:

Birds are a group of endothermic dinosaurs, characterized by feathers, epidermal structures that form plumage. Warm-blooded animal species (endothermic) maintain the body temperature higher than their environment.

Answer A is false because although birds are feathered and lack teeth, they are NOT ectothermic lizards.

Answer B is false because although birds lay amniotiv eggs, birds are a different taxonomic group than mammals, and not all birds fly.

Answer C is false because although some reptiles are closely related to birds, the current scientific consensus is that birds are a group of dinosaurs. Also, not all birds fly, and although they have lost the teeth, they have NOT lost the amniotic egg.