Franz Goller from University of Utah explained that the study is their foundation of studying the sounds of prehistoric birds. He explained that there is still a need to look at the data of modern birds. Dinosaurs may not have the ability to sing "I love you. You love me." like Barney because of syrinx absence.
Paleontologist Julia Clarke explained that this shows why there is no syrinx found in non-winged dinosaurs. She explained that this is a step in the sound dinosaurs create and the evolution of birds. Scientists consider birds as dinosaur's direct descendant. They are dubbed as the living dinosaurs, Science Daily reported.
Clarke explained that a syrinx was found in a Cretaceous bird called Vegavis Iaai. It was discovered in 1992 in Antarctica. Syrinx can be found in modern birds. It is a stiff cartilage ring that support soft vibrating tissues that creates the songs birds sing.
She stressed that no one noticed a syrinx in the fossil until she noticed it in 2013. Since then, she and her colleagues looked at other dinosaur records for syrinx but couldn't find any, UT News reported. Clarke added that cartilage and bones do not fossilize but syrinx rings can be fossilized. The ancient syrinx allowed winged-dinosaurs to create honking noises.
Clarke stressed that this study allows them to find the vocal behavior. This is also gives them insight on the anatomical feature of this prehistoric birds. This might show that this birds developed bigger brains. It shows that there are more things needed to be learned from prehistoric dinosaurs aside from the evolution of flight and feathers, he said.
As of to date, the scientist are working with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to create a model of the sound-producing organ.
Clarke explained that this study follows their study published last July. In that paper, they explained that dinosaurs used closed-mouth vocalization similar to ostriches.
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
