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Cserhati, Matthew (2023) Feathered Turtles? Answers Research Journal, 16: 21. pp. 491-499. ISSN 1937-9056
Despite the fact that no extant reptile species have feathers, and that the only extinct flying reptiles (the pterosaurs) had membranous wings, evolutionists assert that several dinosaur species had feathers. They go so far as to claim that birds are feathered dinosaurs. Evolutionists point to collagenous filaments in fossil remains of dinosaurs to support their theory of protofeathers in dinosaurs. But what do the genes say? Is it possible for reptiles such as dinosaurs or other groups, such as crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials), which are considered to be archosaurs along with dinosaurs and birds, to have feathers based on genetic evidence? A study from recent years indicated that 193 keratin and non-keratin genes are associated with the formation of feathers in chicken. What is the distribution of these genes in extant reptile species? How are these genes regulated between birds and reptiles? The results show that there are many common genes regarding feather and scale formation between birds and reptiles. None of the examined reptile species have all the genes necessary for feather formation. Furthermore, if they did, these genes would also have to be regulated at the same time and place in order to transform reptile scales into avian feathers. Interestingly, turtles are the reptile group that is the most enriched in feather-associated genes, in contrast with crocodiles. Thus, feather formation does not appear to be characteristic within each of the alleged archosaurian lineages going back to dinosaurs. A high number of keratin genes in an organism does not necessarily mean they are used in feather formation. Even some fish species also have a large number of keratin genes. Also, the genetic elements of the regulatory regions of some feather-associated genes shared between birds and reptiles could be interpreted to show that some genes appear to undergo similar regulation, but other genes appear to undergo different regulation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Q Science (General) > QE Geology > QE760 Paleontology > QE760.2 Dinosaurs Q Science (General) > QL Zoology > QL605 Chordates. Vertebrates Q Science (General) > QH Natural History. Biology > QH359 Biological Evolution |
| Depositing User: | Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Sep 2026 23:43 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Sep 2026 23:43 |
| URI: | https://crsq.creationresearch.org/id/eprint/1611 |