300484 VO Feathered Dinosaurs and Fossil Birds (2009W)

It's the aim of this lecture to show up the evolutionary differentiation of birds based on a profound osteological and anatomical knowledge. This is done with the help of recent and fossil matrial to exemplify the changes throughout time. Moreover all major theories concerning the origin of birds and fliht are explained and arguments for and against those theories are presented and, if possible, discussed. In addition to that a short practical part is used to create a feeling for the anatomical and osteological properties as well as for the development of this highly specialized group.