19 citations,
April 2015 in “Developmental Dynamics” The conclusion is that skin and hair patterns are formed by a mix of cell activities, molecular signals, and environmental factors.
38 citations,
July 2004 in “Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution” Reptilian scales, feathers, and hairs evolved from changes in skin cell interactions.
36 citations,
November 2019 in “Molecular biology and evolution” Cysteine-rich keratins evolved independently in mammals, reptiles, and birds for hard skin structures like hair, claws, and feathers.
86 citations,
April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy” Hard skin features like scales, feathers, and hair evolved through specific protein changes in different animal groups.
29 citations,
December 2004 in “Developmental biology” cDermo-1 causes dense skin, feathers, and scales in chickens.