What are some new mutations needed to generate appropriate structures for flight feathers? (See the Figure "Mutations Needed to Generate Flight Feathers.")
- a gene sequence mutation that matches barbule Lengthen to the space between rate feather barbs)
- a gene sequence mutation that controls Orientation of barbule growth; this is necessary for both sides of the barb.
Flight feathers are intricate structures that require precise alignment of barbules, the tiny branches that extend from the main shaft of the feather.
So, The arrangement of these barbules determines the aerodynamic properties of the feather, enabling it to provide lift and control during flight. A mutation that disrupts the matching of barbule formations would result in misaligned barbules, compromising the feather's aerodynamic efficiency and potentially impairing flight performance.