[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index][Subject Index][Author Index]
Re: really big question
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/