Final answer:
The statement is true; birds are the second most diverse group of vertebrates, following bony fish, with over 10,000 species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that birds are the most diverse group of vertebrates except for the bony fish is A. True. With over 10,000 identified species, birds rank second after bony fishes in terms of diversity among vertebrates. While both groups are well-adapted to a variety of ecological niches, bony fishes, with an estimated 31,000 species, still claim the top spot for vertebrate diversity.
Birds have evolved from maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs approximately 150 million years ago and exhibit a wide range of adaptations, from flight to aquatic living. They are endothermic (warm-blooded), have forelimbs modified as wings, and lay eggs. They can be found in virtually every habitat on Earth, from the deepest forests to deserts, oceans, and even urban areas.