Uncovering Ancient Patterns in Bird Feathers

Scientists analyzing hundreds of bird specimens have discovered a set of feather rules that can predict which dinosaurs could fly, settling debates on the evolution of flight. All flying birds have 9 to 11 asymmetrical flight feathers, while flightless birds vary in the number of primary feathers. Fossil analysis suggests flight evolved once in dinosaurs, with some species losing the ability while others became modern birds. The research challenges previous claims about multiple flight evolutions in dinosaurs and highlights the importance of examining feather structure in assessing flight potential.