Bird Feathers
Feathers,
which have an extremely complex design and aerodynamic
characteristics, are unique to birds. The claim
that bird feathers evolved from reptile scales
is completely groundless.
FEATHERS AND SCALES
The theory of evolution is compelled
to propose that feathers that are perfectly
designed for flight evolved from reptile
scales. Feathers and scales, however, are
completely different from each other in
terms of genetic origins and embryologic
development. Above is the detailed structure
of a bird feather and on the side are the
scales of a reptile. |
The bodies of reptiles are
covered with scales, whereas the bodies of birds
are covered with feathers. Since evolutionists
consider reptiles the ancestors of birds, they
are obliged to claim that bird feathers have evolved
from reptile scales. However, there is no similarity
between scales and feathers.
A professor of physiology and
neurobiology from the University of Connecticut,
A.H. Brush, accepts this reality, although he
is an evolutionist: "Every feature from gene
structure and organization, to development, morphogenesis
and tissue organization is different (in feathers
and scales)."36
Moreover, Prof. Brush examines the protein structure
of bird feathers and argues that it is "unique
among vertebrates."37

Close-up of reptile scales. As we see
clearly, scales are overlapping hard skin
parts. They have no resemblance whatsoever
to feathers. |
There is no fossil evidence
to prove that bird feathers evolved from reptile
scales. On the contrary, "feathers appear
suddenly in the fossil record, as an 'undeniably
unique' character distinguishing birds" as
Prof. Brush states.38
Besides, in reptiles, no epidermal structure has
yet been detected that provides an origin for
bird feathers.39
The "Feathered dinosaur
fossils discovered in China" story, which
came to light in 1996 amidst great media propaganda
was totally unfounded, and it was realised in
1997 that the Sinosauropteryx fossil in question
possessed no structures resembling feathers.40
THE PEACOCK AND DARWIN
The feathers of peacocks are a very
explicit example of design. They make
a human being think in what a beautiful
and perfect form God created living things.
However, Darwin became "sick" every time
he saw this beauty.
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On the other hand, when we
examine bird feathers closely, we come across
a very complex design that cannot be explained
by any evolutionary process. The famous ornithologist
Alan Feduccia states that "every feature
of them has aerodynamic functions. They are extremely
light, have the ability to lift up which increases
in lower speeds, and may return to their previous
position very easily". Then he continues,
"I cannot really understand how an organ
perfectly designed for flight may have emerged
for another need at the beginning".41
The design of feathers also
compelled Charles Darwin to ponder over them.
Moreover, the perfect aesthetics of the peafowl's
feathers had made him "sick" (his own
words). In a letter he wrote to Asa Gray on April
3, 1860, he said "I remember well the time
when the thought of the eye made me cold all over,
but I have got over this stage of complaint..."
And then continued: "... and now trifling
particulars of structure often make me very uncomfortable.
The sight of a feather in a peacock's tail, whenever
I gaze at it, makes me sick!"42
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36)
A. H. Brush, "On the Origin of Feathers", Journal of
Evolutionary Biology, Vol. 9, 1996. p. 132. 
37) A. H. Brush, "On the Origin of
Feathers", p. 131. 
38) A. H. Brush, "On the Origin of
Feathers", p. 133. 
39) A. H. Brush, "On the Origin of
Feathers", p. 131. 
40) "Plucking the Feathered Dinosaur",
Science, Vol 278, 14 November 1997, p. 1229. 
41) Douglas Palmer, "Learning to Fly",
(Review of The Origin of and Evolution of Birds by Alan
Feduccia, Yale University Press, 1996), New Scientist,
Vol 153, 1 March 1997, p. 44. 
42) Norman Macbeth, Darwin Retried:
An Appeal to Reason, Boston: Gambit, 1971, p. 101. 
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