Traditionally, zoologists have placed birds in their own class, Aves. More recently, molecular evidence has shown that birds are more closely related to reptiles than their anatomy reveals. Genetically, birds are more closely related to crocodiles than crocodiles are to turtles. Thus, bird anatomy has become highly modified as they have adapted to flight, without their genes having undergone nearly as much change.
-Traditional zoologists have long agreed that birds evolved from dinosaurs. What keeps such zoologists from agreeing that birds, like dinosaurs, should be considered reptiles?
A) There is not yet enough evidence to be sure.
B) Stubbornness, insofar as they are unwilling to change their thinking when new data warrants it.
C) They deny the validity of genetic molecular data.
D) They differ in what they consider to be important traits for assigning organisms to the class Reptilia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Traditional zoologists may have different criteria for assigning organisms to the class Reptilia, and they may not agree that birds meet all of those criteria. This would prevent them from considering birds as reptiles, despite the molecular evidence showing a closer relationship between birds and reptiles.

Traditionally, Zoologists Have Placed Birds in Their Own Class, Aves