The evolution of skilled hindlimb movements in birds: A citizen science approach.
C. Gutierrez-Ibanez, C. Amaral-Pecanha, A. N. Iwaniuk, D. R. Wylie, J. Baron
This study quantifies foot manipulative skills in over 1000 bird species using online media, finding that niche, diet, and phylogeny drive the evolution of foot-based manipulation, with an arboreal niche being key.
bioRxiv · Feb 28, 2023 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition