Includes bibliographical references (pages 188-208) and index.
Summary:
"This book explores animal evolution and behaviour to explain how humans and birds came to share so much. How did we come to be so bird-like? Considering the answer to this question leads to an examination of the animal world that highlights fundamental and profound aspects of biology. The book looks at the value of movement in animals; the way in which traits such as intelligence, size, long life span, and the birth of very immature young are all interconnected. Above all, it assesses how even very different forms of life, experiencing similar evolutionary pressures from their environments, can hit on similar solutions - the phenomenon known as convergent evolution. It is that which lies at the root of our bird-ishness"---Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.