Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle
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Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle is a natural history publication authored by American conservation biologist Thor Hanson. Released by Basic Books in 2011 and aimed at a broad readership, the book delves into the importance, evolutionary history, and various human applications of feathers.
The book Feathers is divided into five distinct sections. The "Evolution" segment addresses scientific discussions regarding the origin of feathers, featuring conversations with ornithologists Richard Prum, Alan Feduccia, and paleontologist Xing Xu. In "Fluff," the focus shifts to feathers’ role in Thermoregulation and their use by humans for warmth. The "Flight" chapter investigates the development of avian flight, incorporating perspectives from Prum, Feduccia, Xu, as well as ornithologist Ken Dial, noted for his research on wing-assisted incline running. "Fancy" explores how feathers contribute to sexual selection and fashion trends, including interviews with designers from both the Las Vegas Strip and New York City. Lastly, "Function" highlights adaptations such as waterproofing, applications in fly fishing, and the use of quill pens.
Hanson’s motivation to write Feathers originated from an encounter with a vulture feather during a run, which aligned with his prior ideas involving vulture feathers. Basic Books issued the hardcover edition in 2011 followed by a paperback release in 2012; digital ebook and audiobook versions are also accessible. The work was well-received for Hanson's passionate approach and engaging narrative style. It earned accolades including the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award, the SB&F Prize in the Young Adult Science Book category (2012), and the John Burroughs Medal (2013).
Background and publication
Thor Hanson is an investigator with varied research interests encompassing the effects of forest fragmentation on bird nest predation, the influence of human conflict on conservation strategies, and behavioral studies of Neotropical fauna. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Idaho in 2006, concentrating his dissertation on tropical tree ecology amid habitat fragmentation.
His fascination with feathers began through observations of vultures in Kenya. While contemplating book ideas related to vultures, he noticed turkey vultures scavenging near roadkill during a run; one feather dropped at his feet sparked his inspiration to author a book centered on feathers. Basic Books published Feathers initially as a hardcover in 2011 and subsequently in paperback in 2012; it is also available in ebook and audiobook formats. An essay adaptation titled "The Multiple Miracles of Bird Feathers" was featured in Audubon during January–February 2012. Feathers represents Hanson's second literary work following The Impenetrable Forest: My Gorilla Years in Uganda (2008).
Content summary
After an introductory preface, Feathers is organized into five distinct sections: "Evolution" delves into the developmental history of feathers, "Fluff" highlights their significance in temperature control, "Flight" investigates the origin of avian flight alongside its effects on human flight technology, "Fancy" explores the role of feathers in sexual selection and human fashion, and "Function" considers their continuous adaptation in both nature and human applications.
Evolution
The book begins with the 1861 unearthing of the first Archaeopteryx fossil, which ignited controversy between paleontologist Richard Owen, a critic of natural selection, and proponent Thomas Henry Huxley.[1] Hanson visits the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, home to an Archaeopteryx fossil.[2] He conducts an interview with Richard Prum, Coe Professor of Ornithology at Yale University, who introduced a developmental perspective emphasizing feather growth processes over functional explanations.[3] The narrative also presents perspectives from Alan Feduccia of the University of North Carolina, who disputes the prevailing view that birds descended from theropod dinosaurs.[4] Chinese paleontologist Xing Xu is featured discussing fossils such as Beipiaosaurus and Microraptor, which bolster Prum’s developmental hypothesis.[5] Additionally, this section addresses feather formation in species like thin-billed prions and genetic factors including the role of the Sonic hedgehog gene.[6]
Fluff
In the "Fluff" segment, Hanson recounts his experience attending Winter Ecology, a cold-environment field course led by biologist Bernd Heinrich at the University of Vermont. While residing in an isolated cabin in Maine, he observed how birds such as golden-crowned kinglets sustain body heat in temperatures dropping to , underscoring feathers' importance in thermoregulation.[7] To investigate commercial applications of down feathers, Hanson interviews Travis Stier from the Pacific Coast Feather Company, a producer specializing in pillows and comforters filled with feathers.[8] This part also examines avian cooling mechanisms during heat stress and physical exertion, demonstrating feathers’ versatile functions.[9]
Flight
The evolution of feathered flight remains a subject of scientific debate. Hanson outlines two primary hypotheses: the "ground-up" theory posits that flight originated from running theropods, while the "tree-down" theory suggests it began with arboreal animals gliding between branches.[10] He discusses these interpretations with Feduccia, who advocates for the "tree-down" approach based on comparable patterns observed in other vertebrates.[11] Hanson also consults Prum and Xu; they propose that although feathers may have developed among terrestrial theropods, true flight likely evolved in tree-climbing species like the four-winged Microraptor.[12] Ken Dial introduces wing-assisted incline running (WAIR), a behavior displayed by juvenile birds offering an alternative explanation that addresses shortcomings of both traditional models.[13] Hanson interviews Ken Franklin, who raised Frightful—a peregrine falcon recorded diving at speeds up to —demonstrating how feathers enhance aerodynamic efficiency.[14] The section concludes by examining how feathered flight has informed advancements in human aviation technology.[15]
Fancy
Hanson explores the elaborate plumage of birds-of-paradise and its significance in sexual selection.[16] He travels to the Las Vegas Strip to observe the use of feathers in pageantry, such as in the show Jubilee!, conducting interviews with costume workshop leader Marios Ignadiou and fashion designer Pete Menefree.[17] The narrative delves into the feather trade's history, emphasizing its economic importance prior to World War I. The South African government sponsored the Trans-Saharan Ostrich Expedition, headed by Russel William Thornton, aiming to acquire Barbary ostriches for their feathers.[18] Despite challenges faced during the journey, Thornton returned in 1912 with a total of 127 ostriches.[19] Nevertheless, demand for feathers declined sharply as more women entered the workforce during wartime.[20] Hanson also interviews Leah Chalfen, a New York City-based milliner specializing in feather hats,[21] along with Jodi Favazzo, proprietor of Rainbow Feather Company, which specializes in feather dyeing.[22]
Function
After rescuing a stranded common murre and returning it to the sea, Hanson explains how feather microstructure ensures waterproofing to keep birds dry.[23] He speaks with John Sullivan, an experienced fly fisherman, about the integral role feathers play in fly fishing lures.[24] The author traces the history and functional use of feathers in quill pens, demonstrating their adaptation beyond natural roles.[25] Observing vultures in Kenya, Hanson notes their distinctive bare heads devoid of feathers.[26] He interviews Kimberly Bostwick, an ornithologist at Cornell University’s Museum of Vertebrates, regarding the club-winged manakin, a species whose feathers generate sound.[27] At the National Museum of Natural History, Hanson consults with Carla Dove from the Feather Identification Lab, which specializes in identifying bird species through feather analysis.[28]
Awards
In 2012, Feathers was honored with the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award, celebrating outstanding writing across five states in the U.S.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content That same year, it received the SB&F Prize for Young Adult Science Books from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Subaru.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content Additionally, Library Journal recognized it as one of the top ten Sci-Tech books of 2011.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content In 2013, Feathers was awarded the distinguished John Burroughs Medal, given annually for exceptional natural history literature.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Academic
Frances C. James reviewed the book in The Condor, describing it as both "scholarly and enjoyable," commending Hanson's comprehensive overview of feather science, development, and evolution. However, James suggested that Hanson could have applied greater critical analysis concerning feather and flight origins, especially regarding Prum's developmental theory which she felt lacked sufficient empirical validation. Pepper W. Trail’s critique in The Quarterly Review of Biology lauded Hanson's storytelling but pointed out an imbalance: extensive focus on the Trans-Saharan Ostrich Expedition contrasted with less attention to recent advances in feather coloration research. Kimberly S. Bostwick wrote in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology that Hanson's prose is engaging and approachable for both experts and general readers alike but cautioned that some historical narratives were adapted for narrative effect and certain biological comparisons were not entirely precise.
Literary
The literary response to Feathers has been largely favorable. Amanda Katz, writing for The New York Times, noted that while the compilation may seem familiar to avid bird watchers, she praised it as gracious, humorous, compelling, and comprehensive. Peter Forbes from The Guardian found Hanson’s passion contagious, particularly given the captivating subject matter. According to The Economist, Hanson’s straightforward approach renders complex scientific content accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. Irene Wanner of The Seattle Times appreciated Hanson’s skillful use of analogies to clarify intricate ideas. Kirkus Reviews described the book as a "charming exploration of evolution and avian life."
Darren Naish of Scientific American observed that prior to this publication, no single volume had focused exclusively on feathers; he commended it as an extensive overview that extends beyond just ecology or conservation biology. Brian Bethune in Maclean's praised Hanson’s narrative ability for bringing scientific topics to life. Lawrence A. Marschall in Natural History characterized Feathers as a remarkable fusion of aesthetics, structure, and purpose.
References
- Sources
- Hanson, Thor. Feathers: the Evolution of a Natural Miracle. Basic Books, 2011. ISBN 9780465020133.
- References
External links
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 17-22
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 23-25
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 37-39
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 40-41
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 43-44, 51-52
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 61-63, 77-79
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 84-87
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 92-93
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 101-114
- ↑ Hanson, p. 118
- ↑ Hanson, p. 121
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 124-25
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 125-27
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 135-38
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 141-54
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 157-69
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 171-73
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 178-79
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 183-84
- ↑ Hanson, p. 185
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 191-94
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 195-98
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 213-21
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 224-31
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 234-43
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 247-52
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 253-61
- ↑ Hanson, pp. 263-68