Fossil Findings Uncover Surprising Insight into Ancient Bird Molting
Fossilized feathers found in Germany have revealed a new insight into the life of some of the earliest known birds. Researchers from the University of Bonn have discovered evidence that some of these ancient birds molted, or shed their feathers in order to make room for new growth. This is the first evidence of molt in Mesozoic birds, and it provides a window into how they adapted to the changing environment. The findings, which were published in the journal Nature Communications, suggest that the birds may have used molt as a way to protect themselves from the cold and could even have used it to migrate. The research provides new information about how birds adapted to their environment millions of years ago, and may help us understand the evolution of flight.
source: Phys.org