The Evolution of Bird Limbs: From Size to Climate Change.
A new study has found that the rate of limb size evolution in the ancestors of birds slowed down close to the origin of birds, resulting in low morphological disparity. The study analyzed limb measurements of over 150 bird and dinosaur species and found that the ancestors of birds had a decelerated rate of limb size evolution compared to their dinosaur relatives. This suggests that the evolution of bird-like features was a gradual process rather than a sudden burst of innovation.