Re: really big question

[Tim Williams <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Ralph Miller wrote:

> The remiges and rectrices (flight feathers), being more firmly attached and 
> not being of particular interest to the beetles, remain even while the body 
> is skeletonized.  So you see, durability and biotic activity are factors in 
> the selective utilization of bird tissues.

On that point, this may explain why the inner wing feathers are not 
preserved in _Archaeopteryx_ - these feathers are less exposed to torsional 
forces during flight as the outer primaries, and so may be less firmely 
attached.  Thus, they detach from the carcass easier than the outer wing 
feathers.


Tim

_________________________________________________________________
Don?t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! 
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/