See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Neontological Solutions to Paleontological Problems: Actualistic Studies of the Morphology, Behavior, and Ecology of Modern Analogs for Ancient Organisms
Abstract:
A striking feather from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation, Brazil, preserves distinct light and dark bands which match isochronic color bands in modern feathers. Oblate structures are only present in the dark bands, where they are aligned along the length of the feather barbs and barbules. These oblate structures are similar in size to the eumelanosomes in extant black feathers and are organized in the same way.
The discovery of eumelanosomes in fossil feathers opens up the possibility of predicting the original coloration of fossil birds and dinosaurs with implications for interpreting their ecology and behaviour. Distinct arrangements of eumelanosomes also give rise to structural colors, including iridescence. Phaemelanosomes, give rise to rusty red and buff yellow colors. they are morphologically distinct from eumelanosomes and their preservation potential remains to be assessed.
Many other melanin bearing structures are preserved in the fossil record such as eyes, squid ink sacs, and insect cuticles. Melanin is very resistant to chemical and bacterial degradation. It may have played a much more important role in the preservation of some organic soft tissues than hitherto realized.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Neontological Solutions to Paleontological Problems: Actualistic Studies of the Morphology, Behavior, and Ecology of Modern Analogs for Ancient Organisms