Re: [Re: Origin of feathers]

[Dinogeorge <Dinogeorge@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-04-11 20:25:42 EDT, jwoolf@erinet.com writes:

<< Interesting.  I was under the impression that feathers are homologous to
scales,
 and have been known to be homologous to scales for a couple of decades.  The
same
 ectodermal cells in a chick embryo can develop into either feathers or scales
 depending on the chemical stimuli from the underlying mesodermal cells.
  >>

This is a recent finding. By the way, >bird< scales (they're on the feet) are
homologous to feathers. It's lizard scales that aren't.