Feathers
Subtitle: the evolution of a natural miracle
By: Thor Hanson
Publisher: Basic Books
Published: 2011
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 336
ISBN-13: 9780465020133; 9780465023462
Subjects: Feathers; Birds
Description: A biologist presents the natural history of feathers, applying the findings of paleontologists, ornithologists, biologists, engineers, and art historians to answer questions about the origin of feathers, their evolution, and their uses throughout the ages.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 301-317) and index.
Table of contents: title: A natural miracle; title: Evolution. The Rosetta Stone ; Heat shields, gliders, and insect scoops ; The Yixian Formation ; How to catch a muttonbird; title: Fluff. Keeping warm ; Staying cool; title: Flight. Ground-up or tree-down? ; A feathered hammer ; The perfect airfoil; title: Fancy. The birds of paradise ; A feather in her cap ; Give us those nice bright colors; title: Function. Of murres and muddlers; The mighty Penna ; The featherless head; title: A debt of wonder; title: Appendix A. An illustrated guide to feathers; title: Appendix B. Feathers and conservation.