Re: evolution of bird fingers

dummy@example.com (David Hone) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:32:59 +0000

The answer Daniel is 'sort of'. There is an odd bird from South America called the hoatzin. The chikcs of this bird fo indded have clawed fingers in the manner of Archaeopteryx and other prehistoric birds which it uses to climb around in trees. However, as the chick matures and is able to fly these claws drop off, so that the adult looks like every other bird. It is importnat to note that the hoatzin is not a very primitive bird that has held onto these characteristics for tens of millions of years, but it has re-evolved them only pretty recently as descended from other 'fingerless' birds.

evolution of bird fingers

dummy@example.com (Daniel) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:27:21 +0000

Are there any modern birds today that still have "real" fingers with claws on their wings?

Ask a Biologist Q&A - evolution of bird fingers

Re: evolution of bird fingers

evolution of bird fingers