Editing 1211: Birds and Dinosaurs
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
| − | {{w| | + | {{w|Birds}} are commonly considered to be a seperate {{w|class (biology)|class}} of {{w|tetrapods}}. However, this classification is false according to {{w|phylogenetic taxonomy}}. Taking into account that birds developed around {{w|late jurassic|150 mio. years ago}} out of small theropod dinosaurs, birds are indeed the last representatives of the {{w|Archosauria|dinosaur clade}}. |
| − | This relation between birds and dinosaurs is depicted in the comic in a {{w|cladogram}} which | + | This relation between birds and dinosaurs is depicted in the comic in a {{w|cladogram}} which proves that {{w|Tyrannosaurus Rex}} is closer related to the common {{w|sparrow}} than to {{w|Stegosaurus}}. Not only do the former share a phylogenetic branch, but T. Rex did also live around 80 mio. years ''after'' stegosaurus. (In popular culture, the concurrence of both species is a widespread error.) T. Rex is also much more alike to modern birds than to other dinosaurs in terms of physiognomy. |
| − | The comic draws the conclusion that if birds must in fact be considered modern dinosaurs, the hunting | + | The comic draws the conclusion that if birds must in fact be considered modern dinosaurs, the hunting practise of birds of prey is consequently a dinosaur fight. For an inveterate dinosaur aficionado like [[Randall]], this fact must make the modern world much more attractive. |
| − | The line "This is a good world." could also possibly refer to a | + | The line "This is a good world." could also possibly refer to a famous scene from the {{w|Serenity (Firefly episode)|pilot episode}} of the television series {{w|Firefly}} featuring two plastic dinosaurs in a somewhat philosophic dialogue. [[Randall]] is known to be a {{w|Browncoat}}, i.e. a fan of the series. |
| − | The title text is a sidesweep to the webcomic | + | The title text is a sidesweep to the webcomic [http://www.qwantz.com Dinosaur Comics] drawn by Ryan North, who stands 6" 6' (198cm) tall. |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
| − | :By any reasonable definition, | + | :By any reasonable definition, T. Rex is more closely related to sparrows than to Stegosaurus. |
| − | :[Diagram showing that | + | :[Diagram showing that Stegosaurus came earlier than T. Rex, along with it showing that T.Rex came at the same time as sparrows. Evaluation criteria "separation by time", "phylogenetic distance" and "physical similarity" are highlighted in red.] |
:Birds aren't ''descended'' from dinosaurs, they ''are'' dinosaurs. | :Birds aren't ''descended'' from dinosaurs, they ''are'' dinosaurs. | ||
| − | :Which means that the fastest animal alive today is a small carnivorous dinosaur, | + | :Which means that the fastest animal alive today is a small carnivorous dinosaur, ""Falco Peregrinus"" . |
| − | :[A picture of two birds is shown | + | :[A picture of two birds is shown.] |
:It preys mainly on other dinosaurs, which it strikes and kills in midair with its claws. | :It preys mainly on other dinosaurs, which it strikes and kills in midair with its claws. | ||
:[In red:] This is a good world. | :[In red:] This is a good world. | ||
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[[Category:Comics with color]] | [[Category:Comics with color]] | ||
[[Category:Charts]] | [[Category:Charts]] | ||
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