How Birds Got (And Kept) Their Beaks

Birds are the most diverse group of beaked animals, with over 10,000 species. Their evolution from reptilian ancestors involved the transformation of snouts into beaks, a process influenced by genetic changes and fossil evidence. The discovery of Ichthyornis disbar, a Late Cretaceous bird, provides insight into this transition. Beaks offer functional advantages, acting as surrogate hands for birds. The loss of teeth in birds was compensated by the development of gizzards, allowing them to maintain varied diets. These adaptations have contributed to the widespread success of birds across diverse habitats.

What significant fossil discovery in 2018 helped scientists understand the transition from snouts to beaks in birds?

In what ways did the beak structure contribute to the success of birds in various habitats?