Re: Science feather strength debate

[Mike Habib <habib@jhmi.edu>]

Not to mention that asymmetrical feathers are not actually required for flight, 
from a first principles standpoint, despite the now popular notion that there 
must be a 1:1 correspondence.

--Mike H.

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 4, 2010, at 7:19 AM, David Marjanovic <david.marjanovic@gmx.at> wrote:

>> The asymmetrical vanes of the remiges and rectrices of
>> _Archaeopteryx_ suggest some kind of aerial capability. But not
>> necessarily powered flight, because _Microraptor_ has them too.
> 
> Of course, the only argument against *Microraptor* being a powered flier is 
> the same one that holds for *Archaeopteryx* and *Confuciusornis*: its 
> shoulder joint.
> 
>> However, some flightless birds retain asymmetrical vanes (e.g.,
>> flightless grebes)
> 
> Oho. Reference, please?