avian evolution

Avian evolution refers to how birds developed from dinosaur ancestors over millions of years. Birds evolved unique features like feathers, which helped with flight, warmth, and display. They descended from small, two-legged dinosaurs called theropods during the late Jurassic period. Over time, their bodies adapted for flight—with lightweight bones, strong wings, and keen eyesight. Today’s birds retain many dinosaur traits but are specialized for various environments, making them one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth. This evolutionary process highlights how species change over time through natural selection, leading to the rich variety of birds we see today.