Which consequence results when flight feathers lose barb interlocking due to cuticle lipid degradation?

💡 Explanation

When interlocking barbs detach due to lipid degradation disrupting the barbule hooklets, the feather vanes separate, because the structural integrity relies on cohesive force, compromising the airfoil shape. Therefore, lift reduction results, rather than increased drag, elevated temperature, or reduced maneuverability which depend on other feather properties.

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