Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Components (hierarchy name)
4. components (objects parts)
5. [components by specific context]
6. biological components
7. animal components

Narrower term/s

• peacock feathers
• ostrich feathers

Anotations

Scope note:

The component structures of the outer covering and flight surfaces of all modern birds and some dinosaurs, apparently having evolved from the scales of reptilian ancestors. The many different types of feathers are variously specialized for insulation, flight, formation of body contours, display, and sensory reception. The typical feather consists of a central shaft (rachis), with serial paired branches (barbs) forming a flattened, usually curved surface (the vane). The barbs possess further branches, the barbules.