Natovenator polydontus was a duck-sized dinosaur that was recently discovered to be a swimming predator, challenging the popular notion that all dinosaurs were land-bound. It’s believed to have been a swimming predator because of its streamlined body similar to modern diving birds, flat and compressed rib cage like aquatic reptiles, and duck-like beak. This is probably an example of convergent evolution; similar body shapes evolve because of similar lifestyles. Read full article here
Oddities
Why Do Modern Pop Songs Have So Many Credited Writers?
The music industry has changed dramatically over the last few decades – with the number of songwriters credited on number one hits more than doubling. This is due to a combination of factors, including money, the computer and a changing definition of what songwriting is. For example, if The Beatles’ classic “I Feel Fine” was released today, it would likely have four writers credited instead of two, due to the influence of producers, samples and interpolations. With the rise of lawsuits, artists now preemptively add songwriter credits to their songs, even if the similarities between their song and the source material are coincidental. It all goes to show that the music industry is becoming more complex and competitive. Read full article here
Merv
March 29, 2023
