Re: Baby insulation

[Royan Webb <bandr@globaldialog.com>]

On 16-Oct-96, Jeffrey Martz wrote:
{CLIP}

>     It there even the possibility that early feathers might have
> included some kind of blood vessel network?  If so, they may have
> been used to increase the heating surface area, a good thing for an
> ectotherm. However, it is my impression that feathers are
> compositionally simple structures (although they can be pretty
> complex structually), and that such a set up is unlikely.  If so, I
> think that the possesion of a covering like feathers or fur is a
> good indication of endothermy.

Bear in mind that modern feathers have a blood supply while they are
growing out. Perhaps this is an adaptation from a fuller supply?

Royan
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