Challenge #00664 - A299: Perilous Ornithology

The difference between a goose and a swan: A goose will chase at the drop of a hat and proceed to peck and bruise if it gets you. A swan will only attack if threatened, but can break bones.

“That’s ridiculous,” said a student in the middle of Allegedly Quiet Reading Time.

“Do you need assistance?” asked Mr Myss, Learning Advocate.

“This is an objectionable description of avians,” protested Yokk. “It assumes the reader already knows the physiognomic distinctions of both birds. It doesn’t tell the reader easier ways of distinguishing ‘goose’ from 'swan’.”

“Ah. Yes. Many pre-galactic civilisations assume everyone knows what the writer is talking about. And since this is speaking of Terran biota, perhaps you can research Terran avians and show me how the author could have written that better.”

“They need it,” said Yokk.

Mr Myss predicted some angry tapping at a keyboard in her future.

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