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First off, thanks for all the replies
everyone!
I've got a related question, though:
If we assume T-rex is a member of a clade for which
feathered pelage is a primitive condition, why would adult tyrannosaurs not have
feathers?
Tim Williams said: "With all other factors being
equal
(geography, for example) big animals have less reliance upon insulation due to their lower surface area / volume ratios ("Balloon Theory", etc) and the minimization of endogenous (or exogenous) heat through dissipation." However, modern birds use feathers to shield
themselves from external heat, not just to keep heat in. Also, all extant birds
have feathers, regardless of size or environment. Dromornis, a Tertiary
neognathe weighing about 500kg has always (AFAIK) been assumed to be
feathered.
So, can I have everyone's arguments for (or
against!) big tyrannosaurs having feathers.
Thanks again,
Michael Lovejoy.
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