A solitary fossilized feather from the Green River Formation, dated at approximately 50 million years and located in the United States, is preserved in the Yale University Peabody Museum of Natural History. A 100 mm scale bar is indicated for reference. Photo credit: Dr. Tiffany Slater
New Technique Unveils Parallels Between Avian and Dinosaurian Feathers
Researchers from the University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland have uncovered X-ray proof of the presence of proteins in fossilized feathers, offering fresh insights into the development of feathers over time.
Contrary to earlier research that posited ancient feathers differed fundamentally in their make-up from contemporary avian feathers, the recent study indicates that the protein structure found in the feathers of modern birds was also present in prehistoric dinosaur and early bird feathers. This affirms that the biochemical foundation of feathers came into existence far sooner than was earlier believed.
A summary illustration derived from the 2003 paper by Slater et al. is credited to Science Graphic Design.
The study, disclosed today in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, was orchestrated by Dr. Tiffany Slater and Prof. Maria McNamara of UCC’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science. They collaborated with researchers from Linyi University in China and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource in the United States.
The scientific group scrutinized feathers that are approximately 125 million years old, specifically from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus and the early bird Confuciusornis, both originating from China, as well as a 50-million-year-old feather from the United States.
Dr. Tiffany Slater is captured in a photograph at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork. Photograph credit: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
Dr. Slater remarked, “The revelation of newfound commonalities between dinosaurs and birds is indeed thrilling. We crafted a novel approach to trace ancient feather proteins. Employing X-ray technology and infrared light, we ascertained that Sinornithosaurus feathers contain abundant beta-proteins, akin to present-day bird feathers.”
To decipher the chemical markers preserved in these ancient feathers, the team conducted additional tests to comprehend how proteins deteriorate throughout the fossilization period.
Dr. Slater further elucidated, “Current avian feathers are abundant in beta-proteins which fortify them for the purpose of flight. Past analyses on dinosaur feathers primarily detected alpha-proteins. Our new findings interpret this peculiar chemistry as a byproduct of protein decay during the fossilization procedure. Consequently, while some fossil feathers maintain vestiges of the original beta-proteins, others are damaged, misleading us about the actual history of feather development.”
This work contributes significantly to resolving an enduring debate about the capability of feather proteins, and proteins in general, to be preserved over extensive geological timeframes.
Prof. Maria McNamara, the study’s senior author, stated, “Ancient biomolecular traces can evidently endure for millions of years. However, the fossil record must not be interpreted literally as even seemingly well-preserved tissues have experienced alteration and compression during fossilization. We are in the process of creating novel methodologies to discern what transpires during fossilization and to decode the chemical intricacies of fossils. This will equip us with novel and stimulating perspectives into the evolutionary history of vital tissues and their biochemical components.”
For additional information regarding this research, refer to the new study highlighting the striking similarities between dinosaur and bird feathers.
Reference: “Preservation of corneous β-proteins in Mesozoic feathers” by Tiffany S. Slater, Nicholas P. Edwards, Samuel M. Webb, Fucheng Zhang, and Maria E. McNamara, published on 21 September 2023 in Nature Ecology & Evolution.
DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02177-8
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Feather Evolution
What is the main discovery of the research conducted by University College Cork?
The primary discovery is that the protein structure found in the feathers of modern birds was also present in the feathers of dinosaurs and early birds. This new evidence suggests that the biochemical foundation of feathers originated much earlier than previously believed.
Who led the research and who were the collaborators?
The research was led by Dr. Tiffany Slater and Prof. Maria McNamara of University College Cork’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science. They collaborated with scientists from Linyi University in China and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource in the United States.
What new methodology was employed in the study?
The researchers developed a novel method that involved the use of X-ray technology and infrared light to trace ancient feather proteins. This allowed them to identify the presence of beta-proteins in dinosaur feathers, similar to those in modern bird feathers.
What fossils were studied in this research?
The research team analyzed 125-million-year-old feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus and the early bird Confuciusornis from China. They also examined a 50-million-year-old feather from the United States.
How does this research impact our understanding of feather evolution?
The findings challenge previous theories that suggested ancient feathers were fundamentally different in their protein composition compared to modern bird feathers. The discovery indicates that the protein composition in feathers has been relatively constant over millions of years.
What journal was the research published in?
The research was published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
What do the findings suggest about the preservation of proteins in fossils?
The study provides significant evidence that feather proteins, and perhaps proteins in general, can be preserved over extensive geological timeframes.
What implications does this research have for the field of paleontology?
The study not only provides new insights into feather evolution but also offers a novel methodological approach for analyzing ancient proteins, which could be applicable to other fossil studies.
Is there a debate this research aims to resolve?
Yes, the research contributes to resolving a long-standing debate about whether proteins can preserve in deep time, specifically in the context of feather evolution.
More about Feather Evolution
- Nature Ecology and Evolution Journal
- University College Cork’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource
- Linyi University
- Yale University Peabody Museum of Natural History
- Overview of Feather Evolution
- Green River Formation
- Science Graphic Design
10 comments
Finally, some real evidence! Always felt like there had to be a closer connection between birds and dinos. Kudos to the researchers at UCC!
As a bio student, I find this fascinating. Understanding the past is crucial for interpreting the present, especially in evolutionary bio. So cool!
Who would’ve thought? Amazing how advanced the tech is now, using x-rays to find proteins from millions of years ago. We’re living in the future guys.
Wow, this is groundbreaking! Never thought that dino feathers and bird feathers could be so similar. It’s like a plot twist in the story of evolution.
thats crazy!! So we’ve been wrong about feathers this whole time? Makes u wonder what else we dont know about prehistoric life.
Solid work, raises questions bout how reliable our fossil records are. If proteins can survive this long, what else are we missing?
Been following Dr. Slater’s work for a while. This is another feather in her cap, no pun intended 🙂
Such an interesting read. The science behind it is complex but the article made it easy to understand. Kudos to the team!
Mind blown. this stuff is why I love science. We’re constantly updating what we know and challenging old ideas.
I wonder what the implications are for like, cloning or other scientific stuff. If we know the proteins, what’s next? just thinking out loud here.