Brains On! Science podcast for kids Are birds dinosaurs?
May 6, 2025
Jingmai O’Connor, an associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum, dives into the amazing world of birds as modern-day dinosaurs. She shares thrilling insights about how creatures like chickens are descendants of T-Rex. The conversation reveals key fossil discoveries and amusing anecdotes that make evolution accessible to kids. Plus, listeners get to play along in a fun guessing game and explore the fascinating connections between various species, highlighting how understanding our wildlife can be both exciting and educational!
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Siddharth's Dinosaur to Bird Journey
- Siddharth developed his interest in dinosaurs from a young age through books and later birdwatching.
- He enjoys watching birds with binoculars and reading field guides, turning into a dedicated birdwatcher.
Birds Are Living Dinosaurs
- Birds evolved from a subgroup of theropod dinosaurs, sharing traits like bipedalism and feathers.
- Fossils with feathers have helped redefine dinosaurs from just giant lizards to bird-like creatures.
Archaeopteryx Bridges Birds and Dinos
- The discovery of feathered dinosaur fossils like Archaeopteryx challenged the idea that dinosaurs were strictly scaly reptiles.
- This first bird-like dinosaur discovery laid groundwork for connecting birds and dinosaurs.