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Feather Evolution |
Most experts believe
that the feathered dinosaurs were warm-blooded and that feathers
provided insulation to help keep them warm. Some dinosaurs had
larger feathers than others and they helped them to jump off the
ground to grab prey. Or, they used them glide down from trees
and other high places to leap on unsuspecting victims. Those
with the largest and most effective physical characteristics survived
while their less fortunate cousins died off.
The following is a highly condensed version of the theory of
feather evolution presented by Dr. Richard O. Prum and Alan H. Brush
in the March 2003 edition of Scientific American magazine.
It was included, with their permission, on our Feathered Dinosaur
poster. |
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