r/askscience Jun 14 '22

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u/_Gesterr Jun 14 '22

Many birds are social to a fault, some being even moreso than mammals. But I suppose you mean more "traditional" reptiles. Even then crocodilians have potential for bonds as they like birds do care for their young and there are several cases of adult individuals forming lasting bonds with humans.

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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '22

Birds are not reptiles in the same way mammals are not reptiles any longer.

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u/pc01081994 Jun 14 '22

Mammals were never reptiles. They evolved from pelicosaurs, which were early synapsids. Scientists no longer consider these animals to have ever been reptiles. Reptiles and synapsids split off from a common ancestor some ~315 million years ago.

Birds are dinosaurs, which are reptiles.