An analysis of the relationship between diet and beak shape among waterfowl not only shows that feeding is likely the major influence that fits the bill, but also suggests that early birds of the order were likely more duck-like than goose-like. (more…)
ANN ARBOR — On opposite sides of the globe over millions of years, the snakes of North America and Australia independently evolved similar body types that helped them move and capture prey more efficiently.
Snakes on both continents include stout-bodied, highly camouflaged ambush predators, such as rattlesnakes in North America and death adders in Australia. There are slender, fast-moving foragers on both continents, as well as small burrowing snakes. (more…)
