What if the birds that populate our regions were more similar to dinosaurs than they appear? This question may be surprising, but it recently gave an international team of scientists food for thought. They used X-rays to analyze feathers from dinosaurs that lived on our planet 125 million years ago.
Experts concluded that the chemical structure of the plumage of these gigantic creatures was remarkably similar to that of modern birds, explains Live Science in an article published on Wednesday, September 27, based on the results of a study published in the journal Nature Ecology and evolution.
Experts have highlighted the fact that the feathers of dinosaurs and those of modern birds shared a common protein composition. A discovery that proves very promising because it offers scientists a unique insight into the evolution of animal plumage over several hundred million years…
125-million-year-old dinosaur feathers were remarkably similar to modern bird feathers, analysis shows https://t.co/VrCwVFBGJz
— Live Science (@LiveScience) September 27, 2023
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A similar chemical structure
Before coming to such a conclusion, paleontologists carefully examined the feathers of three ancient animals, including Sinornithosaurus. The latter is a non-avian dinosaur that lived in China 125 million years ago.
The second animal examined, which is also native to this Asian country, is an ancient bird called Confuciusornis. He lived at the same time as the one mentioned above.
Finally, as for the third affected animal, the species was not specified. However, we know that this creature lived 50 million years ago in what is now the Green River Formation in Wyoming: a state in the western United States characterized by Rocky Mountains and vast plains.
In detail, the researchers first carried out X-ray and infrared light analyzes on ancient feathers, according to the scientific information page. Next, they discovered traces of corneal beta proteins (CBP). Formerly known as beta-keratins, these are essential for strengthening the feathers when it comes to allowing the animal to fly.
Third, the researchers examined the feathers of modern birds, including zebra finches, whose scientific name is Taeniopygia. They discovered that they had a similar chemical structure.
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Proteins stored in fossils
Tiffany Slater, postdoctoral researcher in paleobiology at University College Cork, Ireland – and lead author of the study – spoke to Live Science about the topic. In particular, she recalled that before this study, scientists assumed that the feathers of ancient animals had a completely different protein composition, but also that it consisted mainly of alpha proteins.
However, as this study showed, ancient feathers were primarily composed of CBP. In addition, these proteins would have converted into alpha proteins at the time of fossilization, according to a press release. Among the many lessons we learn from this study is that proteins can persist in fossils for hundreds of millions of years.
“The chemistry of modern feathers is much older than previously thought,” Tiffany Slater summarized to Live Science. “Our research is helping to rewrite history and showing that the building blocks needed for powered flight were in place long ago. , at least 125 million years.”
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