Avian Classification Science Explained: Unveiling Bird Evolution
Beyond Beaks and Feathers: The DNA Revolution in Avian Taxonomy For centuries, avian classification relied heavily on observable traits—beak shape, feather patterns, foot structure—a system pioneered by Carl Linnaeus. This Linnaean system, while foundational, lacked the precision needed to fully unravel the complex tapestry of avian evolution. The advent of DNA sequencing has revolutionized this field, offering a powerful new lens through which to view evolutionary relationships. Analyzing a bird's genome provides a far more detailed and accurate picture of its evolutionary history than simply observing its physical characteristics....