Re: Origin of feathers

[Jonathon Woolf <jwoolf@erinet.com>]

Dinogeorge wrote:

> In a message dated 98-04-14 03:04:52 EDT, Patrick.Norton@state.me.us writes:
>
> << Wouldn't increased *friction* result in increased drag, and therefore
>  poorer aerodynamic performance? >>
>
> That's what you want, if you're falling from a substantial height. Increased
> drag.

Or decreased mass will work too.  While gravitational acceleration doesn't vary
with mass, energy of impact does.  All other factors being equal, a 1kg animal
takes less damage from a fall than a 10kg animal will.

-- JSW