Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 195 | Richard Dawkins on Flight and Other Evolutionary Achievements
7 snips
May 2, 2022 
Richard Dawkins, an esteemed evolutionary biologist and author, dives into the fascinating evolution of flight. He discusses various adaptations in species, from gliding to jumping, and the evolutionary significance of these traits. With insights from his new book, he compares the origins of flight in birds and explores the interplay of practice and enjoyment in bird behavior. Dawkins also examines the complexities of genetic variation and the extended phenotype, illustrating how evolution shapes not just bodies, but behaviors and environments.
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Tasmanian Wolf
- The extinct Tasmanian wolf (thylacine) resembled and behaved like a dog.
- It showcases convergent evolution due to similar ecological roles.
Convergence Power
- Dawkins believes convergence is powerful.
- Rewinding evolution would likely produce similar features given similar physical laws.
Absence of Wheels
- Wheels haven't evolved likely because of rough terrain and biological constraints.
- They are advantageous on flat, solid surfaces but not in complex environments.
