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Research by University College Cork shows that the feathered dinosaur Psittacosaurus also had reptile-like scaly skin, providing new insight into the evolutionary transition from scales to feathers. Researchers
Research by University College Cork shows that the feathered dinosaur Psittacosaurus also had reptile-like scaly skin, providing new insight into the evolutionary transition from scales to feathers.
Paleontologists in Ireland have found evidence that some feathered dinosaurs had scaly skin like that of modern reptiles, offering new insight into the evolutionary transition from scales to feathers.
In their study, scientists examined a recently discovered feathered dinosaur specimen. PsittacosaurusIt dates back to the early Cretaceous period (135-120 million years ago), a crucial period for the evolution of dinosaurs into birds. This study showed for the first time that in Psittacosaurus regions: Negative It had skin covered with feathers, similar to the skin of modern reptiles.
The study published today (May 21) Nature CommunicationUniversity College Cork (UCC) paleontologists Dr. came together with scientists from Nanjing. It was led by Zixiao Yang and Professor Maria McNamara from the UCC School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. university (China).
The team used ultraviolet (UV) light to identify areas of preserved skin that cannot be seen under natural light. Further examination of the fossil skin using X-ray and infrared light revealed impressive details of the preserved cellular structure.
Dr. “Fossils are truly a hidden gem,” says Young. The skin fossil, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, remained hidden when the sample was donated to Nanjing University in 2021. Only under ultraviolet light can the skin appear with a bright orange-yellow glow.
“What is truly surprising is the chemical composition of fossil skin. It consists of silica, which is the same as glass. This type of preservation has never been found in vertebrate fossils. There is the potential for many more fossils with hidden soft tissues to be discovered.”
But the most exciting part of the discovery is that it gives us information about the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs. Professor McNamara, senior author of the study, said:
“The evolution of feathers from reptile scales is one of the most profound but poorly understood events in vertebrate evolution. Although numerous fossil feathers have been studied, fossil skin is much rarer.
“Our discovery shows that soft, bird-like skin first developed only on feathered body areas, while the rest of the skin was still scaly, as in modern reptiles. This localized development protects the skin’s basic functions, such as protection against abrasion, dehydration, and parasites. Hence, researchers experimenting with feathers “The first dinosaur was able to survive and pass on its feather genes to its descendants.”
Example Psittacosaurus NJUES-10 is now stored at Nanjing University.
Source: Port Altele
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