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It's not terribly shattering if there was a coelurosaur with no feathers. Not all of the traits that define a group have to appear at the same time. Traits can disappear. There's a mammal called a pangolin that has scales all over its body. Is that a problem for evolution or an atavism that points to a reptilian origin for mammals?

It is amazing the glee in some posters' eyes when scientists admit either that they made a mistake or have learned something they didn't know.

But science does not fear new data. Individual scientists may cling to pet theories, but that only lasts for a few years. When an idea is right, with the right combination of data and theory, nothing can hold it back. When mistakes are made, science figures out what went wrong, corrects the mistake, and moves on.

I think that some of those expressing the most glee are secretly both envious and afraid of science. The next new discovery could cause them to doubt a cherished belief.

It is amazing the glee in some posters' eyes when scientists admit either that they made a mistake or have learned something they didn't know.

Every dispute, unexpected result, and unanswered question is proof that science is a house of cards about to fall. Except it never does, of course.

Reality does not impinge upon people who pin their hopes on such phantoms.