Feathers and ‘feather‐like’ integumentary structures in Liaoning birds and dinosaurs
- 12 September 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Geological Journal
- Vol. 41 (3-4) , 395-404
Abstract
We provide an overview of the known feather and other ‘feather‐like’ integumentary structure types known to‐date in the birds and dinosaurs from the Cretaceous rocks of Liaoning, NE China. These feather‐types are classified and compared with similar structures seen in Mesozoic and extant birds. We consider that integumentary feathers and ‘feather‐like’ structures fall within two major structural categories (‘shafted’ and ‘non‐shafted’). Comments are also made on the possible aerodynamic or insulating function of leg and tail feathers in Mesozoic birds and theropods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Keywords
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