0
Reptilian scales and bird feathers are made of the same substance; keratin. Bird feathers evolved from degenerated dinosaurian (coelurosaurian?) scales. The feathers were probably first used for insulation or were perhaps used en massealong the arms to form 'traps' for catching insects.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago''A small minority of researchers have claimed that the simple, filamentous "protofeather" structures are simply the result of the decomposition of collagen fiber under the dinosaurs' skin or in fins along their backs, and that species with unquestionable feathers, such as oviraptorosaurs and dromaeosaurus' are not dinosaurs at all, but true birds unrelated to dinosaurs. However, a majority of studies have concluded that feathered dinosaurs are in fact dinosaurs, and that the simpler filaments of unquestionable theropods do in fact represent simple feathers. Some researchers have demonstrated the presence of color-bearing melanin in the structures which would be expected in feathers but not collagen fibers. Others have demonstrated, using studies of modern bird decomposition, that even advanced feathers appear filamentous when subjected to the crushing forces experienced during fossilization, and that the supposed "protofeathers" may have been more complex than previously thought. Detailed examination of the "protofeathers" of sinosauropteryx prima showed that individual feathers consisted of a central quill (rachis) with thinner barbsbranching off from it, similar to but more primitive in structure than modern bird feathers.''
by Jerry BergmanApril 1, 2003Technical- author-jerry-bergman
- dinosaur-bird-evolution
- journal-of-creation
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is the study of feathers?
Ornithologists study birds and feathers would fall under that.
Are penguins birds or fish?
Penguins are birds. They have feathers and lay eggs.
How do feathers help birds fly?
The flight feathers are the feathers located on the wings and tail. There are primary flight feathers that on the bird would be equivalent to our hand. A bird also has secondary flight feathers which when comparing to a human would be our forearm. If you unfold the wing of a bird you will see the flight feathers.
Is feathers an adaptation related to flight in birds?
The birds feathers are used for, insulation , this is for when they fly and when thier on the ground, it also helps pretect the skin, from getting damaged.
What is an adaptation of feathers to meet its function?
Birds do not have hands or paws on their wings. Contour feathers along the wing are called flight feathers, and are specialized for lifting and gliding. Feathers are a strong and adjustable surface for pushing against air.
What do birds have that no other animals have?
All birds have feathers and birds are the only animals that do!
What type of body cover does a blue jay have?
As with other birds, the wing of a blue jay is covered in feathers.
Does Kangaroos have feathers?
No. Only birds have feathers. Kangaroos are mammals, not birds.
Does the kingfisher have feathers?
Yes. Kingfishers are birds, and all birds have feathers.
What are five birds that have feathers?
Pretty much all birds have feathers
Do birds have wax on their body?
no they have feathers
What animals have feathers but are not birds?
There are no animals that have feathers besides birds.
Do cassowaries have fur or feathers?
Cassowaries are birds so, like all birds, they have feathers. Only mammals have fur.
Are most mammals covered with feathers?
Mammals are not covered with feathers. Mammals grow hair, but do not have to be covered with hair. Birds are covered with feathers.
Do birds have skin underneath the feathers?
NO!! because they have feathers
Are toucans covered with feathers?
Yes, especially because they are birds. :)
Why is birds covered in feathers and not in scales?
Cute question! Birds like to get high. Feathers allow birds to fly.
