AI overview
I don't have sufficient context to write an accurate overview. The provided context only shows a caption reference ("thumb|Feather variations") without any substantive information about what feathers are or why they matter. I would need actual descriptive content to complete this task accurately.
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Article
24 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Structures and characteristics
- Classification
- Functions
- Distribution
- Coloration
- Feathers used in mating displays
- Structure and use
- Tail Length
- Origin of ornamental feathers
- Parasites
- Human usage
- Utilitarian
- In religion and culture
- Evolution
- Functional considerations
- Molecular evolution
- Feathered dinosaurs
- Evolutionary stages
- In pterosaurs
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|Feather variations
Feathers are epidermal growths that form a distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on both avian (bird) and some non-avian dinosaurs and other archosaurs. They are the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and an example of a complex evolutionary novelty. They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant birds from other living groups.