early feathers

["Colette H. Adams" <cadams@hh.gpz.org>]

>The oldest certified feathers in the fossil record are those associated
with Archaeopteryx. Period. 

I don't understand what is meant here by "associated with Archaeopteryx."
Do you mean found within a few meters of Archaeopteryx fossil remains in
the same formation?  Do you mean having a structure that matches
Archaeopteryx feathers?  Are they contour feathers, flight feathers, or what?

My understanding is that the frequency of feather evidence increases
dramatically in the early Cretaceous.  What kind of feathers are they and
what type of evidence is it?  Amber?  Impressions?  Any references would be
appreciated.

Best regards,

Dave