We discussed this book n the May 22, 2017 meeting and it was well received by the group. We had previously read "Seeds" by the same author and like it this book was well written and well researched. The book covers a wealth of information on feathers. There are discussions of the theories of the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and they are reasonably up to date given the rapid pace of discovery in thus area. This also leads into the argument of weather flight evolved from gliding down from a tree or from take off the the ground. This includes using wings to increase traction while running, to help steer and even to catch insects. Apparently this is still a contentious area in scientific research.
Hanson then moves on to bird feathers, their features and their functions. He discusses the different types of feathers, the features and structure of each type, and how they grow, Several people found the discussion of how feathers are formed and grow to be confusing and/or incomplete. He discusses the functions feathers in flight, how the keep birds both warm and cool, and either dry or in the case of some diving birds allow them to get wet. There are many interesting facts: for example I didn't know feathers only grow from certain areas on a birds skin and the other areas are relatively featherless.
He also discusses the uses of feathers by humans from quill pens to fishing flies and millinery fashion. The group got into a nice discussion of quill pen and calligraphy based on what was in the book.
Overall the group thought the book was both informative and entertaining and well worth the time it took to read. It reads easily and most parts are not very dense.
Hanson then moves on to bird feathers, their features and their functions. He discusses the different types of feathers, the features and structure of each type, and how they grow, Several people found the discussion of how feathers are formed and grow to be confusing and/or incomplete. He discusses the functions feathers in flight, how the keep birds both warm and cool, and either dry or in the case of some diving birds allow them to get wet. There are many interesting facts: for example I didn't know feathers only grow from certain areas on a birds skin and the other areas are relatively featherless.
He also discusses the uses of feathers by humans from quill pens to fishing flies and millinery fashion. The group got into a nice discussion of quill pen and calligraphy based on what was in the book.
Overall the group thought the book was both informative and entertaining and well worth the time it took to read. It reads easily and most parts are not very dense.