Extended Data Fig. 3. Taphonomic scenarios to explain the origin of the splayed appearance of the branched feathers, based on different styles of feather branching and stiffness.

Only scenario 3, in particular scenario 3b, with a stiff central shaft and stiff barbs of equal length, can explain the particular structures observed in Tupandactylus feathers. a–c, Branched feathers from MCT.R.1884. c, Close-up of the splayed structure in (b) showing branching and a thin shaft at the point of flexure of the barbs (arrow). Scale bars, 1 mm (a, b), 250 μm (c).