For this project, we had to make a video about a theoretical transitional species- meaning a species that could have existed between two major phyla (such as between Porifera and Cnideria). Our group chose to create a species between the existing groups of Reptiles and Birds. This was the result:
As you can see, we tried our best to combine some main charactaristics of both reptiles and birds; we added talons, scaley legs and feet, developing wings, an elongated jaw, large eyes, and teeth. We theorized that this could have been an organism that existed between the time of these two phylas- when some reptiles were just beginning to trade their scales for wings.
The video below will explain more about our critter, but here's some 'facts' about it:
- This species would have developed larger, sharper eyes, more akin to a birds'
- Though the wings this creature is evolving cannot yet allow it to fly, over time the organism will develop larger and stronger wings (in addition to a lighter mass)
- Though it still has teeth and a jaw resembling a birds', it will develop a beak over time. However, its current state is still excellent for hunting and surviving in its environment
-Its bright colors evolved to ward off predators while simultaneously attract mates
The video below will explain more about our critter, but here's some 'facts' about it:
- This species would have developed larger, sharper eyes, more akin to a birds'
- Though the wings this creature is evolving cannot yet allow it to fly, over time the organism will develop larger and stronger wings (in addition to a lighter mass)
- Though it still has teeth and a jaw resembling a birds', it will develop a beak over time. However, its current state is still excellent for hunting and surviving in its environment
-Its bright colors evolved to ward off predators while simultaneously attract mates