Looking at the figure above, use phylogenetic reasoning to explain whether feathers evolved for ...

ANS:
Will vary, but should include: phylogenetic reasoning reveals that feathers did not originally evolve for flight. The common ancestor for modern birds and other dinosaurs had feathers but neither wings nor the ability to fly, so feathers must have evolved for some other purpose. Possible other functions are thermoregulation, defense, waterproofing, shielding from sunlight, facilitating tactile sensation, etc. These are not mutually exclusive and there is little prospect for being able to distinguish among these alternative functions.