[general_re]

"Under the general rule of ontogeny repeating phylogeny, downy feather made only of barbs probably appeared before the evolution of feathers with rachides and capable of flight," Chuong says.

Given that he says "probably", it seems clear that he is expressing an opinion rather than making a pronouncement of scientific fact. Surely he's entitled to an opinion...

[AndrewC]

Given that he says "probably", it seems clear that he is expressing an opinion rather than making a pronouncement of scientific fact. Surely he's entitled to an opinion...

I didn't say he was not entitled to an opinion. I rejected it as a "valid" use of the experimental results.

[gore3000]

Given that he says "probably", it seems clear that he is expressing an opinion rather than making a pronouncement of scientific fact. Surely he's entitled to an opinion...

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. However, when a supposed scientists injects claims that are not supported by evidence, one must consider such a claim to be deceitful. He is lending his authority and that of his research to something which he has no right to claim.