Which statement best describes the current scientific view of birds?A) a group of feathered, ectothermic lizards that lack teeth B) a group of flying mammals that are derived from monotremes, which also lay amniotic eggs C) a group of flying, endothermic reptiles that have lost teeth, the amniotic egg, and other heavy body features as an adaptation for flight D) a group of feathered, endothermic dinosaurs

Birds are a group of endothermic dinosaurs, characterized by feathers, epidermal structures that form plumage. Warm-blooded animal species (endothermic) maintain the body temperature higher than their environment.

Answer A is false because although birds are feathered and lack teeth, they are NOT ectothermic lizards.

Answer B is false because although birds lay amniotiv eggs, birds are a different taxonomic group than mammals, and not all birds fly.

Answer C is false because although some reptiles are closely related to birds, the current scientific consensus is that birds are a group of dinosaurs. Also, not all birds fly, and although they have lost the teeth, they have NOT lost the amniotic egg.