Re: ABSRD BAND on Sinornithosaurus feathers

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/20/01 11:58:57 AM EST, TomHopp@aol.com writes:

<< Maybe so, but this doesn't get past your concept that structures don't 
evolve 
 with foreknowledge of their ulimate use. In this case, why would peach fuzz 
 evolve? >>

Peach fuzz is a small enough change that it >could< have occurred from a 
single random mutation that dealt with combining sulfated proteins into 
dermal fibers. We would need to examine the complete genome of a modern bird 
or two to see whether this would have been the case.

The ultimate reason for the appearance of a novel structure is random 
mutation, of course. But the novel structure must have an immediate 
use/benefit if it is to persist, and sulfate excretion could have been such a 
benefit. Insulation, if the animal were already warm-blooded (not likely) 
could also have been such a benefit. If the peach fuzz were the right color, 
then display or camouflage would have been such a benefit. If the animal were 
small and arboreal, even peach fuzz would have helped with the Falling 
Problem by providing extra friction with air and thus slowing falls. All 
these are possible proactive reasons for the persistence of peach fuzz after 
the random mutation that created it.