Page 135 - The Dinosaur Book and Other Wonders of the Prehistoric World (DK-Smithsonian)

Scute The fossilized feathers of Caihong
include microscopic structures like the
melanosomes that create iridescent
feather colors in some modern birds.

This armored dinosaur’s scutes
were spike-shaped, partly for defense Caihong
but perhaps also for show.

The legs and belly of
Edmontonia were covered
with scaly skin, similar to that
of many modern reptiles. Psittacosaurus fossil

This fossil of an early relative of the
horned dinosaur Triceratops shows
that its tail was covered with long quills.

The dark patches on this fossil are
the remains of a fuzzy body covering
made up of protofeathers.

COLOR CODING

New research has revealed that the fossil feathers of animals like Caihong
preserve the remains of melanosomes—structures inside cells that contain
color pigments. The size, shape, and arrangement of these melanosomes are
related to their color. So by analyzing fossil melanosomes, scientists may be
able to reconstruct the colors of feathered dinosaurs.
Sinosauropteryx fossil Rust Brown Gray Black Iridescent

or protofeathers, resembling hair; these probably Microscopic analysis even indicates that some
kept the animal warm, like the fur of a mammal. of the feathers were brightly colored. All this
Others, including Caihong, had fully vaned new evidence shows that there is little difference
feathers, like those of modern birds. Some of between these extinct theropod dinosaurs and
these feathers were longer, especially on the living birds and supports the conclusion that
arms, which would have looked like short wings. birds are small, flying dinosaurs. 133

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