What do scientists believe is the evolutionary origin of feathers?

Question

A. Skin
B. Hair
C. Fur
D. Scales

Answer 1

Scales.

Refer to work by Brusch et al.

He has studied the molecular basis by which nucleobase transcription errors modified scales into feathers in a step by step basis, each step conferring thermoregulatory advantage (the aerodynamic properties of feathers was serendipitous). First step, condensation of scales, second, scales with raised papillae, third barb ridges on papillae, etc., etc., all the way to feathers.

Answer 2

It has been thought that feathers evolved from the scales of reptiles, but recent research suggests that while there is a definite relationship between these structures, it remains uncertain the exact process.