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RE: Another feather theory
As far as that list goes, I think quills like the porcupine has also meet all
the criteria except the "fool a predator into thinking it has a mouthful of
prey", though I've seen photos of dogs that got a mouthful of quills- much more
effective predator deterrent.
That isn't to say that its not possible. An adaptation does not need to be "the
best" adaptation there is, it merely needs to work better than what it had
before.
> > Feathers are perfect for defensive protection
> because:
> >
> > - They are not living tissue.
> >
> > - They are light weight (little energy needed
> > to carry them around).
> >
> > - They are easily removed (less painful or
> debilitating).
> >
> > - They are automatically replaced.
> >
> > - They can grow big enough to fool a predator into
> thinking that it has a mouthful of prey.