[Dimensio]

I'm still left wondering how many long- or short-beaked birds with mismatched tongues died in the act of repeatedly bashing their beaks into tree trunks -- it must still happen every day -- before they evolved that shock-absorbing skull.

Or, their descendents didn't "bash" their heads into trees so rapidly because they didn't have skulls that absorbed the shock as well; instead, they would tap at the trees as best their physiology would allow. Over time, the ones that were able to handle stronger and stronger blows against the tree because of slightly better skulls were able to surivive and reproduce, passing the trait to their offspring.

[Elsie]

Over time, the ones that were able to handle stronger and stronger blows against the tree because of slightly better skulls were able to surivive and reproduce, passing the trait to their offspring.

Kinda explains where we Conservatives come from..........

[newgeezer]

Your theory gives a whole, new meaning to that term, "bird-brained." :-)