Why and how did dinosaurs develop feathers?

This is one of the great philosophical and biological questions in the history of dinosaurs. In any mutation, The keratin in the scales of these reptiles began to organize themselves differently and formed the first feathers.. Thanks to natural selection, this mutation became not only an interesting element, but also something very useful for the evolution of the first feathered species.

But these “feathers” did not initially develop as large, colorful feathers; instead they evolved as proto-feathers; They looked much more like simple keratin filaments than the complex tendrils seen today.

In fact, flying was not within the capabilities of the first furry animals. So what were these threads sprinkled on dinosaurs’ scales for? Read on to find out.

It’s a shame but flights are canceled until further notice

Some people may believe that once dinosaurs grew feathers, they instantly flapped their wings and soared freely through the prehistoric skies. But this couldn’t have been more hasty. The development of feathers is not simple.

Recent research shows that The development of feathers begins with a process of “exclusion” It consists of a specific type of keratin (alpha-keratin), while another (beta-keratin) begins to form the first feathers.

Early feathers were not as malleable and lightweight, so their functions were more related to skin protection and thermal regulation of these animals. Another unique function is to attract the attention of mating partners. Today’s feathered heirs are grateful for the evolution and evolution of color.

This modification and change of keratin types continued to evolve and mutate over the years. Clearly relying on natural selection to sort out those best suited to pass on improved genes.

During this process, ß-keratin began to self-organize in a more complex way, turning proto-feathers into true feathers. Lighter, more malleable, and complex enough to create air resistance, it produces the thrust that makes the initial flapping truly functional.

But, Not only did feathers change throughout the evolutionary process, but bone structures also had to mutate to make take-off possible..

It is currently known that the theropod class benefits most from this mutation process, but this class consists of not only small bipedal dinosaurs but also giant dinosaurs. Although the larger specimens had developed feathers, flight, like some of the smaller specimens, remained only part of the project.

Data proved Many dinosaurs had feathers, but few were adapted enough to fly. This is repeated if we observe their descendant birds.

Penguins, kiwis, emus, as well as many other species of flightless birds, have feathers that are very functional for the climate, habitat and “lifestyle” of these animals; these hairs guarantee skin protection, thermal regulation and, in some cases, aerodynamics and impermeability when swimming.

It mutates, survives and maybe flies

In a summary of the evolutionary history of vertebrates,Dinosaurs developed feathers because the structure and organization of the keratin produced in their bodies mutated and formed the first feathers..

The appearance of feathers is just one of the genetic mutations these animals have undergone over the centuries they have lived on this planet. However, it would not be surprising to find examples with other types of mutations that are less effective at passing on their genes.

In this case, genetic mutations are beneficial and produce good results in terms of inheritance of these traits. In addition to playing a very functional role in the survival of these animalswhether for mating ceremonies or to protect against adverse weather conditions.

Natural selection (and a meteor that wiped out most of these humans) was responsible for selecting the fittest specimens, which through millennia of mutations brought us birds.

At Sunday lunch, in front of the fried chicken, do not forget to share with your family that the ancestor of that chicken was a dinosaur that went through many difficulties and after many struggles it came to you as food.

In other words, although not every reptile is a bird, every bird may already be a reptile. Disagree? Let us know your feedback on our social networks. Until later!