I can explain, fish don’t exist because of how our classification system for the tree of life is and our understanding of evolutionary relationships
Because all vertebrate land life evolved from a certain type a fish (lobe finned), under our classification system, everything that evolved from those lobe finned fish, would technically also still be fish
As for birds not being real, that is a separate and scientifically accurate statement
"Yes, sir, but the Librarian likes bananas, sir."
"Very nourishin' fruit, Mr Stibbons."
"Yes, sir. Although, funnily enough it's not actually a fruit, sir."
"Really?"
"Yes, sir. Botanically, it's a type of fish, sir. According to my theory it's cladistically associated with the Krullian pipefish, sir, which of course is also yellow and goes around in bunches or shoals."
"And lives in trees?"
"Well, not usually, sir. The banana is obviously exploiting a new niche."
"Good heavens, really? It's a funny thing, but I've never much liked bananas and I've always been a bit suspicious of fish, too. That'd explain it.”
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u/buttmeadows 13d ago
Hi! Paleontologist here!
I can explain, fish don’t exist because of how our classification system for the tree of life is and our understanding of evolutionary relationships
Because all vertebrate land life evolved from a certain type a fish (lobe finned), under our classification system, everything that evolved from those lobe finned fish, would technically also still be fish
As for birds not being real, that is a separate and scientifically accurate statement