In a new research, it has been found that the feathered dinosaurs may not have looked as imagined by people and portrayed in popular media. The study has found that these extinct reptiles were not entirely feathered and had either scaly skin or feathery patches.

In a new research, it has been found that the feathered dinosaurs may not have looked as imagined by people and portrayed in popular media. The study has found that these extinct reptiles were not entirely feathered and had either scaly skin or feathery patches. The new discovery has added a twist to the theories of how the evolution of feathers happened in the dinosaurs. How did the scientists find what feathered dinosaurs' skin looked like? The scientists exposed the unremarkable dinosaur fossil to ultraviolet (UV) light which revealed not-known patches of preserved skin which fluoresced a vibrant orange-yellow. The discovery was made during a Psittacosaurus specimen's examination by palaeontologists at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland. The new findings have hinted that the body of the dinosaurs was not solely covered by the feathers. Also Read: Climate change may have forced some dinosaur groups to become warm-blooded: Study The areas of preserved skin which did not have feathers and were exposed to UV light suggested that these reptiles have a more complex integumentary system than earlier believed. “The fossil truly is a hidden gem. The fossil skin is not visible to the naked eye, and it remained hidden when the specimen was donated to Nanjing University in 2021. Only under UV light is the skin visible, in a striking orange-yellow glow,” said Dr. Zixiao Yang, who was one of the lead researchers, as reported by Earth.com. Fossils of feathered dinosaurs hint at glassy skin: Study Advanced imaging techniques were used by the research team to utilise X-rays and infrared light for examining the details of the fossilised skin. This helped them observe the skin's intricate cellular structure which was kept preserved for millions of years. In the analysis, it was found that the primary composition of the skin was silica, a mineral compound which is commonly called the main component of glass. Watch: These animals are real climate heroes This is the first time that scientists have discovered silica-based skin preservation in vertebrate fossils. The well-preserved soft tissue of the fossil hinted that more secrets may be hidden in specimens. “The evolution of feathers from reptilian scales is one of the most profound yet poorly understood events in vertebrate evolution. While numerous fossils of feathers have been studied, fossil skin is much more rare,” said Prof Maria McNamara, a senior author of the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Did feathered dinosaurs exist? Study says these reptiles had scaly skins like lizards

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