SEM Image of Barbules in a Feather (IMAGE)

University of California - San Diego

SEM Image of Barbules in a Feather

Caption

Researchers found that barbules-- the smaller, hook-like structures that connect feather barbs-- are spaced within 8 to 16 micrometers of one another in all birds, from the hummingbird to the condor. This suggests that the spacing is an important property for flight.

Credit

University of California San Diego

Usage Restrictions

Please credit University of California San Diego

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.