Johan Lindgren
Senior lecturer
Molecular composition and ultrastructure of Jurassic paravian feathers.
Author
Summary, in English
Feathers are amongst the most complex epidermal structures known, and they have a well-documented evolutionary trajectory across non-avian dinosaurs and basal birds. Moreover, melanosome-like microbodies preserved in association with fossil plumage have been used to reconstruct original colour, behaviour and physiology. However, these putative ancient melanosomes might alternatively represent microorganismal residues, a conflicting interpretation compounded by a lack of unambiguous chemical data. We therefore used sensitive molecular imaging, supported by multiple independent analytical tests, to demonstrate that the filamentous epidermal appendages in a new specimen of the Jurassic paravian Anchiornis comprise remnant eumelanosomes and fibril-like microstructures, preserved as endogenous eumelanin and authigenic calcium phosphate. These results provide novel insights into the early evolution of feathers at the sub-cellular level, and unequivocally determine that melanosomes can be preserved in fossil feathers.
Department/s
- Chemical Physics
- MAX IV Laboratory
Publishing year
2015
Language
English
Publication/Series
Scientific Reports
Volume
5
Document type
Article
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Topic
- Geology
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 2045-2322