# 1  

2008-02-26 16:40:15

I guess since I came up with this idea, it is fitting that I post the first science discussion! Well here it is! I find this topic fascinating so please give me your opinions! In late 2007 scientists discovered viable DNA in the fossils of a T-Rex and from that were able to conclusively prove that birds evolved from dinosaurs! In particular chickens. yes those delicious little birds that we love so much are actually direct descendants of our favorite childhood icons the dinosaurs! This find puts to rest the bird from dinosaur debate. So from now on when you see a bird flying above or a canary in a cage or a chicken sandwich you know that you are looking at a dinosaur!

  # 2  

2008-02-26 18:49:24

It's a fact that the DNA sequence for the scales on the chicken's leg and the DNA sequence which encodes a feather are basically identical (just a few base pair differences). In fact, scales and feathers are so close that you will often find a feather where a scale should be on a chicken leg (because of only a small point mutation).

Bottom line: scales and feathers are almost genetically identical, so it wasn't a great evolutionary leap.

[Side note: I work in genetics all day long, and typically can't stand to talk about science once I get home. But I'm psyched about the new forum category, so I thought I'd throw a post on..... 123facts is once again moving up in the world! ]