Feathers evolved and diversified in non-avian theropod dinosaurs before the origin of birds and before the origin of flight.

Format Online paper / PDF

Location PART 2 - FOUR HIDDEN CHIMNEYS CHAPTER 10: BUILDING-BLOCK REALITY Exaptation

"Feathers evolved and diversified in non-avian theropod dinosaurs before the origin of birds and before the origin of flight."

The review states that fossil feathers in non-avian theropods document feather evolution and diversification before birds and flight, making later aerodynamic use a valid example of functional repurposing.

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Source title The Evolutionary Origin And Diversification Of Feathers

Source authors Richard O. Prum, Alan H. Brush

Source year 2002

Confidence high

Importance high