Question

Some dinosaurs had feathers although they could not fly but birds have feathers that help them to fly. In the context of evolution this means that _____________________.

• A. reptiles have evolved from birds
• B. there is no evolutionary connection between reptiles and birds
• C. feathers are homologous structures in both the organisms
• D. birds have evolved from reptiles

Answer 1

The correct option is D birds have evolved from reptiles

Birds arose from reptiles had been found out with the discovery of fossil Archaeopteryx (fossil bird). Prior to Archaeopteryx, feathers had already evolved in dromaeosaurs for protecting them from cold. In Archaeopteryx feathers attached to forelimbs were used for gliding and possibly flying.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{D}$