I believe the correct term is “proto or primitive feathers” or “feather-like structures”. Of course “collagen fibers” fits even better according to comments in an article in National Geographic News about “Feathered” Dinosaur Was Bald, Not Bird Ancestor, Controversial Study Says.”
Did they have any drawings or artist's renderings?
82 posted on 04/14/2009 7:54:39 PM PDT by tacticalogic
("Oh bother!" said Pooh, as he chambered his last round.)