Birds of a Feather

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How do birds pull off flight so effortlessly? Well, multiple systems and parts must work together to get a bird into the air. All this week we’re looking at the intricacies of flight.

When we think of what makes birds unique, feathers immediately come to mind. Now, these structures are marvels of engineering. They’re lightweight but wind-resistant. A system of barbs and barbules hooks feathers together with a sliding joint. This system acts like Velcro, incredibly strong yet flexible.

There’s no way this complex system could’ve evolved from reptile scales. Feathers were created fully formed and functioning from the beginning.

Dig Deeper

• The Intricacies of Flight in the Natural World
• Did a Dinosaur Get Its Feathered Tail Caught in Amber?