Feathers and scutes

["Brian Lauret" <zthemanvirus@hotmail.com>]

I seem to remember a study indicating feathers and scutes are from the same 
genetical composition.Could this mean they were interchangeable? it could 
certainly indicate why large dinosaurs had scutes instead of feathers. The 
genes involved in the development of these structures could possibly produce 
feathers and scutes.(and who knows what other structures?stegosaur 
plates?psittacosaur quills?remember the fact that Anhima has a remarkable 
sort of "horn" on it's head,could this be from the same origin as feathers 
and scutes?) This means it's a genetical "choice" between feathers and 
scutes.This would certainly explain how come snowy owls and snowgrouse (as 
well as certain chickens and canaries) have feathery feet instead of 
scutes.The genes translated structures normally developing into scutes in to 
growing feathers because that was better in these hostile enviroments. (or 
according to human selection)I guess vice vera might be possible too.(Any 
canary or chickenbreeders onlist??)I surely think it would be cool to see a 
scuted instead of feathered bird!
Oh well,shoot me if you like
Brian



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