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Old 02-25-2009, 03:52 AM   #24 (permalink)
Otto
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Notice that the whale tubercles are on the leading edges, with the trailing edge smooth. Nature had plenty of time to refine the tubercles, and chose the leading edge.

That said, the barred owl has serrated edges on its feathers, for silent flight. These are not as efficient for speed, but worth the sacrifice for stealth, especially at night.
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