Feather MorphologyAdvanced Biology – Spring 2013

Feathers

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.• Hair, fingernails, and scales.

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.• Hair, fingernails, and scales.

• Functions:

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.• Hair, fingernails, and scales.

• Functions:• Flight

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.• Hair, fingernails, and scales.

• Functions:• Flight• Insulation

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.• Hair, fingernails, and scales.

• Functions:• Flight• Insulation• Sensory?

Feathers• First seen in the Jurassic Period • bird-reptile Archaeopteryx.

• Modified keratin structure.• Hair, fingernails, and scales.

• Functions:• Flight• Insulation• Sensory?• Sexual Dimorphism / Courtship Rituals

Feather Types

• Contour

Feather Types

• Contour• Outermost feathers

Feather Types

• Contour• Outermost feathers• Strong and stiff for flight

Feather Types

• Contour• Outermost feathers• Strong and stiff for flight• Each feather controlled by

specialized muscles.

CONTOUR

Feather Types

• Down

Feather Types

• Down• Used in insulation.

Feather Types

• Down• Used in insulation.• Very soft and fluffy.

Feather Types

• Down• Used in insulation.• Very soft and fluffy.• Barbules lack hooks.

Feather Types

• Down• Used in insulation.• Very soft and fluffy.• Barbules lack hooks.• Rachis is missing or reduced.

Feather Types

• Down• Used in insulation.• Very soft and fluffy.• Barbules lack hooks.• Rachis is missing or reduced.

Feather Types

• Semiplume

Feather Types

• Semiplume• Found between other feathers.

Feather Types

• Semiplume• Found between other feathers.• Help maintain warmth AND smooth shape.

Feather Types

• Semiplume• Found between other feathers.• Help maintain warmth AND smooth shape.• Cross between down and contour.

SEMIPLUME

Feather Types

• Filoplume

Feather Types

• Filoplume• Simplest of feathers

Feather Types

• Filoplume• Simplest of feathers• Almost all rachis and few barbs.

Feather Types

• Filoplume• Simplest of feathers• Almost all rachis and few barbs.• Aid in structure and sensory.

FILOPLUME

Feather Types

• Bristles

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers• Highly specialized

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers• Highly specialized• Lack Barbs on outermost parts

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers• Highly specialized• Lack Barbs on outermost parts• Usually found near the beak

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers• Highly specialized• Lack Barbs on outermost parts• Usually found near the beak• Aid in sensory feedback

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers• Highly specialized• Lack Barbs on outermost parts• Usually found near the beak• Aid in sensory feedback • Insect catching

Feather Types

• Bristles• Very small contour feathers• Highly specialized• Lack Barbs on outermost parts• Usually found near the beak• Aid in sensory feedback • Insect catching

• Maybe in protection.

BRISTLES

MORPHOLOGY

MORPHOLOGY

MORPHOLOGY