What Parrots Tell Us About the Evolution of Birds 62
GrrlScientist writes "One of the most contentious issues among scientists who study the evolution of birds is identifying precisely when the modern birds (Neornithes) first appeared. This is due to conflicts between the fossil record and molecular dating methodologies. But there is another way to address this discrepancy. Because the evolution of parrots and cockatoos reflects the evolution of the birds (Aves) themselves, studying the psittaciformes offers compelling insights into this mystery. Further, because psittaciformes generally are not migratory and because they tend to occupy discrete ranges, their ancient patterns of diversification are easier to discern than for many other taxonomic orders of birds that have dispersed widely."
Re:They could also tell a lot about (Score:5, Insightful)
One of the reasons I believe parrots have such a remarkable intelligence is that they live in an ecosystem bloated of food. I live in Peru and have seen the Amazon Jungle and you won't believe how rich it can be.
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevant_history/2008/12/octopus-watch-tv-have-no-personalities.html [typepad.com]
Re:They could also tell a lot about (Score:5, Insightful)
You've finally solved the problem. Intelligence is the result of survival boredom.
Re:But, but, I thought they were intelligently... (Score:4, Insightful)
You know, the only reason the whole "Intelligent Design" thing is an issue at all, is because people keep bringing it up.
Resist the urge to mention it - even to mock it, and it will just go away quietly. But bring it up every time someone mentions the word "evolution", and you'll have people believing it's a serious theory - even have people believing they believe in it, even when no mainstream branch of Christianity does.
Re:They could also tell a lot about (Score:2, Insightful)
Anyone that has spent much time around parrots and has a basic grasp of evolutionary theory will feel the same way.
They basically just play, eat, rest, and then repeat. When they eat much more is wasted then is eaten. Seems like they maybe get 30% of the food down. Hardly a recipe for survival in any challenging environment.
Makes me wonder if humans evolved intelligence as a survival mechanism or because our ancient ancestors lived in a land of plenty and intelligence followed.