Are There Any Dinosaurs Still Alive in 2020?

The age-old question of whether dinosaurs still exist today contains a bit of truth and misinformation. While the image of full-sized dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex is a favorite in popular culture, the reality is quite different. The vast majority of what we consider dinosaurs today are actually birds. These modern versions are much smaller than their ancient ancestors, but their descendants are very much alive and evolving around us.

The Evolution of Birds and Dinosaurs

In reality, most birds alive today are descendants of dinosaurs. The idea that modern birds evolved from dinosaurs gained significant support in the mid-20th century. This theory suggests that birds did not suddenly appear out of nowhere but evolved from prehistoric reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era.

One example that illustrates this evolution is the humble chicken. It is widely believed that chickens evolved from the fierce and powerful Tyrannosaurus Rex. Believe it or not, it’s a fascinating fact that the T-Rex and its relatives share a common ancestor with today’s chickens, leading to the humorous joke: "If you’ve ever wondered what a Tyrannosaurus Rex tasted like, it tasted like chicken." Of course, the joke comes with a wink, acknowledging the joke’s absurdity.

Real-World Examples of Dinosaurs Evolved as Birds

Investigating the robust fossil evidence, it's clear that many bird species, including the ostrich and emu, are descendants of raptor dinosaurs. The visible similarities between these birds and their prehistoric ancestors leave little room for doubt. These birds, with their sharp beaks and large size, strongly resemble the terrifying dinosaurs of the past that dominated the Earth.

A disturbing anecdote involving a family with chickens, ducks, and a caged duck supports this theory. The chickens, having been caged with the duck, behaved like their dinosaur ancestors, pecking and ultimately killing the duck. This tragic event highlights the predatory instincts that may still linger in modern avian species, inherited from their dinosaur heritage.

Defining Dinosaurs in Modern Times

The definition of dinosaurs is quite expansive. The group Dinosauria includes all species stemming from the last common ancestor of Megalosaurus and Iguanodon and all of its descendants. Birds fit perfectly into this category because they are descendants of the last common ancestor of these two species, making them true dinosaurs.

While this may seem like a technical distinction, it underscores the evolutionary continuity of life on Earth. Many of the ancient fearsome creatures from prehistoric times are still with us, albeit in much smaller and less fearsome forms. The modern bird is a living, breathing link to the dinosaurs of old, connecting the past with the present in a fascinating evolutionary thread.