if dinosaurs were reptiles and cold blooded, what would cause the evolutionary step to become warm blooded and birds as it’s said that birds are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs.

Question

if dinosaurs were reptiles and cold blooded, what would cause the evolutionary step to become warm blooded and birds as it’s said that birds are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs.

In: Biology

Answer 1

As a species evolves over time, genetic mutations that are more “beneficial” will lead to a longer lifespan and more chances to breed. The simplest answer is that when you have a dinosaur with a genetic mutation that gives it warm blood and wings, it allows for a better chance of survival and more opportunities to breed, making those traits more common over countless generations.

As for what CAUSES genetic mutations, there’s no real underlying cause. Random mutations will just occur over time and those that benefit the survival of the species will be selectively chosen over those that make survival more difficult. Same reason why arctic animals have a lot of fur and blubber, it helps them survive freezing temperatures year-round.

Edit: also as others have pointed out already, most dinosaurs were, in fact, believed to be warm blooded to begin with