The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) opens a new exhibit entitled "Dinosaurs Among Us," which intricately explores the link between birds and dinosaurs.
Birds are everywhere and in today's world, the species generally look harmless and can even pass as pets. The truth is, even the sweetest lovebirds have in its system the genes of ferocious and humongous theropod dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex.
While it might sound creepy, it is actually a good thing, knowing that the world today is still somewhat connected to the dinosaur age through birds - dinosaurs' only living heirs.
Birds And Dinosaurs
The exhibit aims to redirect people's thinking of birds by presenting the ancient family tree of the species, while giving a fresh and more accurate view of dinosaurs.
The link between birds and dinosaurs have long been recognized by scientists. In fact, this idea has been around since the mid-19th century. Modern paleontologists have also collected subtle evidences that support this claim.
Among the supportive information that solidifies bird and dinosaur link are nesting behaviors, toothless beaks, the similar structures of the brain and bones and even feathers, which are said to have evolved from coarse spikes.
The Exhibit
The exhibit, which will open Monday, March 21, will feature a Yutyrannus huali, which is a tyrannosaurus that was found in China in 2012. The 23-feet long dinosaur has proto-feathers that resembles quill. The physical appearance is quite terrifying as it looks like a cross between an anteater and a roadrunner.
The exhibit also includes an interactive booth that allows guests to make and fly their own dinosaur creations. This experience entails dinosaur puzzle pieces of different weight, wingspan and body parts, which the visitors may insert into a dinosaur illustration.
The Elusive Link Between Birds And Dinosaurs In Modern Times
With popular movies such as the "Jurassic Park," today's generation are given the idea that dinosaurs and birds do have a connection, yet the former is being portrayed as featherless.
AMNH paleontologist Mark Norell says it may be because the characters may not look mean enough if presented like they are pigeons.
No matter how scarcely depicted the link between birds and dinosaurs are, people should be aware that, one thing is certain, birds are the modern dinosaurs.
"Dinosaurs never really vanished from Earth," AMNH writes. In fact, majority did not go extinct and is now living among us in the form of birds.
