Evolution of Feathers and Dinosaurs

What recent discoveries have changed our understanding of when feathers evolved?

• Fossils showing scales and feather-like structures

• Genetic studies on modern birds

• Discovery of Archaeopteryx

• Feathered dinosaur fossils from the 1990s

Which group of ancient reptiles is believed to have had the genetic basis for feathers?

• Archosauria

• Pterosaurs

• Theropods

• Crocodilians

What genetic pathways are responsible for the development of feathers?

• Only found in mammals

• Unique to birds

• Exclusive to dinosaurs

• Shared with denticles, scales, and hair

Why might feathers have evolved before being used for flight?

• For swimming

• For insulation

• For camouflage

• For attracting mates

What major event might have influenced the evolution of feather-like structures?

• The end-Permian mass extinction

• The rise of mammals

• The Jurassic period

• The extinction of pterosaurs