RE: Feather Evolution

[Thom Quinn <swo@execpc.com>]

 _Archaeopteryx_ is a well developed "bird"....by protobird, I mean those 
non-flying, biped creature that had the very first pre-avian feathers (or 
elongated scales that later became feathers).

The feathers of _Archaeopteryx_ are complex, adapted for some flight--which 
allows us to conclude the first feather bearing creature is much more ancient.

Also, I am not claiming that Longisquama is related to birds, just that is 
employed a similar body-communication technique.

-----Original Message-----
From:   NJPharris@aol.com [SMTP:NJPharris@aol.com]
Sent:   Saturday, June 14, 1997 6:37 PM
To:     swo@execpc.com; dinosaur@usc.edu
Subject:        Re: Feather Evolution

In a message dated 97-06-14 12:38:45 EDT, swo@execpc.com (Thom Quinn) writes:

> It should be noted that the long feather-like structures
>  found on Longisquama, a middle Triassic thecodont and the contemporary
>  of the elusive proto-bird

The proto-bird is not elusive, and it was not mid-Triassic.  _Archaeopteryx_
itself works quite well in this capacity, and we now have many of the steps
on either side as well.  Nobody is quite sure *what* _Longisquama_ is.

NP