Natural Selection: Feathers to scales

Scientists believe that feathers have evolved from scales and having feathers could have allowed animals like Archaeopteryx to fly or glide. This could have helped them escape from predators, how could animals with scales have evolved feathers? Can you please use the theory of natural selection to answer this especially variation, survival of the fittest and inheritance? Thank you in advance!

Sure. The ancient species could have used scales to become airborne for short distances in escaping predators. Obviously, those with scales more suited to flying can stay airborne longer, and are less likely to be eaten by predators. This selective advantage means their genes are more likely to be passed down the generations, giving future generations increased flying ability.

This cycle could potentially repeat itself, with scales becoming more and more suited to flying, until they become feathers... Over bajazillions of years of course. (I know that's not a measurement)

In most biological nomenclature, a scale (Greek: λέπιδ lepid, Latin: squama) is a small rigid plate that grows out of an animal's skin to provide protection. In lepidopteran (butterfly and moth) species, scales are plates on the surface of the insect wing, and provide coloration. Scales are quite common and have evolved multiple times with varying structure and function.

Scales are generally classified as part of an organism's integumentary system. There are various types of scales according to shape and to class of animal.

Theres actually some debate among some scientists as to if it was the other way around - hairs changed into feathers (for better thermal insulation) which then changed into scales for armour.

Thats the thing about evolution you can "prove" anything you want including direct opposites and anyone will believe you.

Is this a religious thing? The fossil record shows no such link between scales and feathers, it's like saying your feet evolved from an ear.