Scientists discovered a new fossil of a dinosaur (Psittacosaurus) that had skin that combined feathers like a bird and hard scales like a reptile.
Dinosaur fossils Psittacosaurus (or “parrot lizards”) were first found in 1922, but a recent discovery revealed information about their unique skin. This dinosaur dates from the Early Cretaceous period (about 135 to 120 million years ago) and lived at the same time that dinosaurs began to evolve into birds.
Previously, scientists thought that this species only grew hair on its tail, but new research shows that the skin on the entire body of Psittacosaurus had differences based on whether that area of skin had hair or not. Their soft, feathered skin looked similar to that of modern birds, while their featherless patches grew scales. That suggests that retaining scales during the early stages of feather evolution may have helped dinosaurs optimize skin function.
Because the fossil skin cannot be observed with the naked eye, the research team used UV rays to identify the skin patches on the Psittacosaurus fossil, then used X-ray and infrared rays to see more clearly. Ultimately, they discovered details about the preserved skin cell structure.
“This fossil is truly a rare find,” said Dr. Zixiao Yang at University College Cork, Ireland, and said that thanks to the use of UV light, they had a clearer view under the striking orange-yellow light.
“The surprising detail is the nature of the fossil skin, which is composed of a glass-like silica compound. This method of preservation has never before been found in vertebrate fossils, opening up the possibility There are probably many other fossils with soft tissue that have not been discovered,” he added.
Fossils provide scientists with new insights into the evolutionary process from growing scales to growing feathers in dinosaurs, proving that their skin showed “selective evolution”.
Khanh Vy (Theo IFL Science)