Re: Dinosaur color vision and evolution of feathers

[Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au>]

On Mon, Oct 27th, 2014 at 7:21 PM, Dr Ronald Orenstein 
<ron.orenstein@rogers.com> wrote:



> A thought: is it possible that the aerodynamic properties of asymmetrical 
> feathers could be

> related not to flight or gliding, but to display?  In other words - if rapid 
> movement of banks of

> pennaceous feathers in the course of display has any significant energy cost 
> associated with it

> (eg vigorous arm-waving displays) then an adaptation that would reduce the 
> effect of air

> resistance on the cost of display movement might be selected for (especially 
> if the display

> included leaping, parachuting etc). 



Or perhaps feather asymmetry improved the ability to fold display fans away 
when not in use.



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Dann Pigdon

Spatial Data Analyst               Australian Dinosaurs

Melbourne, Australia               http://home.alphalink.com.au/~dannj

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