Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Marine_Uncle
Why do not many species within the family of birds have teeth at this point.

Well as the article stated, the chicken with the teeth did not survive, therefore, it could not have passed on those genes. While the death may or may not have been the result of having teeth, one must survive and reproduce for evolution to occur. Additionally, having teeth must have a distinct advantage if it is to be incorporated into the population. Often a perceived advantage can be a disadvantage. Teeth can be very costly- from the energy expended in production, to upkeep, to fighting off infections.

The same reason we don't have large claws is likely the same reason chickens don't have teeth- they and we don't need them. It does not provide any significant advantage.

46 posted on 02/23/2006 10:06:45 AM PST by GreenFreeper (Not blind opposition to progress, but opposition to blind progress)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies ]


To: GreenFreeper

Reasonable response.


47 posted on 02/23/2006 10:51:45 AM PST by Marine_Uncle (Honor must be earned)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson