Feathers are one of the most distinctive and diverse features of birds. They provide insulation, flight, camouflage, and display. But how did feathers evolve and what is their connection to dinosaurs? Feathers are modified scales: Feathers are made of the same protein, keratin, as reptile scales and mammal hair. They are derived from the skin cells of the epidermis, just like scales. The earliest feathers were simple filaments that covered the body of some dinosaurs. Feathers evolved for different functions: Feathers did not evolve for flight at first. They may have served as insulation, protection, or signaling. Some dinosaurs had feathers on their limbs, tails, or…