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How did feathers evolve? - Carl Zimmer

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TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

To look at the evolution of modern bird feathers, we must start a long time ago, with the dinosaurs from whence they came. We see early incarnations of feathers on dinosaur fossils, and remnants of dinosaurs in a bird’s wish bone. Carl Zimmer explores the stages of evolution and how even the reasons for feathers have evolved over millions of years.

Dinosaurs used feathers to fly.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Artist Armella Leung
  • Educator Carl Zimmer
  • Sound Designer Olivier Oswald
  • Narrator Carl Zimmer

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