Host Kathleen Stephenson speaks with conservation biologist Thor Hanson about his book "Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle." Hanson says, "Their sheer diversity of form and function make feathers unique from waterproofing to flight, insulation and colorful display." He'll talk about the debate about how feathers evolved and how scientists are studying feathers to gain insights into their many valuable qualities and functions.
Thor Hanson has studied Central American trees and songbirds, nest predation in Tanzania, and the grisly feeding habits of African vultures. He is a Switzer Environmental Fellow and a member of the Human Ecosystems Study Group. Hanson’s first book, The Impenetrable Forest: My Gorilla Years in Uganda, won the 2008 USA Book News Award for nature writing. He lives on an island in Washington State. www.thorhanson.net
- KBOO