How does the Shulchan Aruch approach the concept of Mesorah?

The Shulchan Aruch provides a detailed framework for determining the kosher status of birds based primarily on specific signs, such as the structure of their feet or the type of their beak. This codification is significant because it allows for these signs to be the basis of dietary laws without an explicit requirement for a Mesorah, which refers to the transmission of traditions and teachings in Jewish law. While having a Mesorah is important in many areas of Jewish practice, in this specific context regarding birds, the Shulchan Aruch does not condition the determination of kosher status solely on the acceptance of a tradition but rather on the observable characteristics that follow the halachic criteria. This approach highlights the complexity of Jewish law, where empirical evidence can supplement or replace traditional handing down of knowledge in specific cases like the identification of kosher birds.

Other options suggest an incorrect framing of Mesorah’s role in the context of bird identification or imply its dismissal, which misaligns with the Shulchan Aruch's nuanced treatment of the subject.