Poll: So let's talk about dinosaurs, and Feathers.

[Godzillarich(aka tf2godz)]

I want to talk about dinosaurs because I want to talk about dinosaurs, sue me.

Do you like feathers

Spoiler

or no feathers?

Spoiler

What do you like to see more?

 

[JoJo]

I like accuracy, so I prefer feathers. Assuming they're justified by the evidence of course. It's easier to see the connection between feathered dinosaurs and their living descendants, too.

 

[Secondhand Revenant]

I mean if we aren't being accurate then I might as well go for dragons instead

 

[Addendum_Forthcoming]

Feathers are cool. Is there proof that they all had feathers, though? You'd think there'd be a fossil record of showing the quill or something. If fossil records accurately show shell patterns you'd think it would be the same for hard keratin like feather quill barbs.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Sorry but I grew up when when the scientist didn't make that discovery with the birds are indeed related to dinosaurs so I prefer no feathers.

Man, how many children books do they have to reedit or replace with the current depiction of dinosaurs?

 

[Just Ebola]

Break me off a piece of that feather bar.

Speaking of which, I brought home a cooked rotisserie chicken the other day, and it still had some feathers sticking out. I still plucked them and ate the chicken, but I was a bit surprised. I realize now that this story isn't nearly as intriguing as it seemed at the time.

 

[Addendum_Forthcoming]

They haven't found proof for all, but for a lot of them.

See, in my mind that looks epic.

So less like the artist's impression in the first photo and more like having guiding feathers on the 'wings' and hind rear quarters?

That would certainly suggest the aerodynamic ambusher.

I mean look at the seeming wideswept primaries on the 'wings'? They look like actual raptor wings when you compare it to modern eagles.

Of course maybe we're putting the cart before the horse. Crocodiles could never have the hide that they do if they gained feathers. I mean for a leaping predator that needs to guide its descent to make sure it lands on its prey the feathers and long tapering tail make perfect sense, but for armoured hides nothing works better than rigid scales.

But looking at that fossil record I could totally see these guys as the perfect arboreal predator. With a tail and talons like those, the balance needed wouldn't be an issue. And with those long feathers it could easily leap and find its mark.

 

[Baffle]

Prefer them without feathers. Once you add feathers they're just Big Bird.

 

[StatusNil]

I don't like the feather thing, since they didn't have those when I was a kid. But I guess there's something to be said for accuracy. If that's what it is.

And they do look way cooler without.

 

[Addendum_Forthcoming]

I don't like the feather thing, since they didn't have those when I was a kid. But I guess there's something to be said for accuracy. If that's what it is.

And they do look way cooler without.

The feathered dinosaur looks tastier however. That has to count for something. I mean in the first picture? It's a giant duck. With all the causal benefits of chasing down ducks.

The second one looks a bit; "Ehh... I'm not *that* hungry." Looking like something you'd happily sink your teeth into has to count for something. First bite is always with the eyes.

 

[the December King]

I don't like the feather thing, since they didn't have those when I was a kid. But I guess there's something to be said for accuracy. If that's what it is.

And they do look way cooler without.

Seconded. If the evidence bears out, as it indeed seems to in some cases, then I fully accept that at least some dinosaurs had feathers.

But I will always think the scaly, reptilian look is way cooler.

 

[hermes]

I mean if we aren't being accurate then I might as well go for dragons instead

Exactly. If we are going to ignore big chunks of evidence just because we think the alternative is cooler, then everything goes.

Also, obligatory reference:

 

[Programmed_For_Damage]

I'm guessing a lot of scientist have long suspected that dinosaurs had more in common with birds than reptiles, hence the "raptor" in "velociraptor". That said a velociraptor covered in feathers is more laughable than terrifying... until it rips your intestines out.

 

[Avnger]

My brain agrees that the science behind feathers is probably true, but my heart says FUCK OFF! JURASSIC PARK WAS HISTORICALLY ACCURATE!

 

[Addendum_Forthcoming]

My brain agrees that the science behind feathers is probably true, but my heart says FUCK OFF! JURASSIC PARK WAS HISTORICALLY ACCURATE!

*Historically* accurate? That's a scary thought. Why would you willingly want to believe that? D:

Also raptors using feathers to accurately perch on prey and guide their leaps isn't cooler?

Frankly I find the mental imagery of a dinosaur using its 'wings' to remain atop its prey to tear it to shreds like an eagle to be pretty cool.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I prefer them without feathers but I'm ready to believe they had feathers if science says so.

 

[Samtemdo8_v1legacy]

Don't worry anti feather dinosaur people.

At least when the Lizardmen come to Warhammer Total War, their dinosaurs don't have feathers:

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

The concept of featherless dinos is more compelling, even if it is proving to be less and less accurate to the truth.