Re: Origin of feathers

["Norton, Patrick" <Patrick.Norton@state.me.us>]

On 4/29 Dinogeorge wrote:

>You have forgotten about the feathered tail of _Archaeopteryx_, which
certainly provided lift and decreased the sinking rate.<

Glad you reminded me. The long bony tail of Archeopteryx contributed far   
more to drag than lift and would therefore have increased the sinking   
rate while gliding.  The feathers on the tail of Archeopteryx probably   
reduced that drag somewhat while in flight, but the primary aerodynamic   
function of the tail feathers was, as it is in modern birds, to provide   
effective rudder and braking control.

Overall, Archeopteryx looks to me like a bird designed for maximum   
control at very low air speeds. ( I know, I know. No one "designed" the   
bird "for" anything....) Low aspect ratios result in a low stall speeds   
and a functioning alula, which was probably also present in Archeopteryx,   
would have reduced stalling speed even more. The long tail feathers would   
have enhanced that control. Some flapping ability and high   
maneuverability at close to stall speed are exactly the type of   
aerodynamic modifications I would expect in an animal with the behavioral   
characteristics I described in an earlier post.