Newly published findings indicate that the protein structure of dinosaur feathers bears a significant resemblance to that of contemporary birds. This points to the possibility that the chemical make-up of bird feathers may have originated as far back as 125 million years ago. The study also noted that alpha-proteins found in fossilized feathers are likely the result of thermal changes during the fossilization process rather than being naturally occurring elements. (Rendering of a dinosaur feather provided by the artist).
Advanced X-ray technology utilized at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has facilitated scientists in acquiring fresh perspectives into feather evolution.
The ancestral link between dinosaurs and modern birds has long been a subject of scientific inquiry. The latest research delves into this by examining how proteins in dinosaur feathers evolved over millions of years, especially when subjected to high temperatures.
Prior research had posited that the feathers of dinosaurs were less rigid due to the presence of certain proteins, compared to the feathers of modern birds. However, a new collaborative study involving University College Cork (UCC), the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Light Source (SSRL) at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, along with other institutions, has found that the original protein composition of dinosaur feathers was actually strikingly similar to that of contemporary birds.
This implication suggests that the chemical composition of modern bird feathers likely has a more ancient origin than was previously assumed, possibly dating back to 125 million years ago.
Tiffany Slater, a UCC paleontologist and the study’s lead author, remarked, “The application of X-ray and infrared light technologies revealed that feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus were rich in beta-proteins, closely resembling the composition in today’s bird feathers. This substantiates our hypothesis that dinosaurs had rigid feathers akin to those of modern birds.”
The central focus of this research revolves around the protein configuration. Initial examinations of dinosaur feathers showed a predominance of alpha-keratin proteins, which leads to less rigid feathers. In contrast, feathers of contemporary birds are abundant in beta-keratin proteins, fortifying them for the rigors of flight. The researchers questioned whether this discrepancy was indicative of the natural feather chemistry during their lifetime or a byproduct of fossilization.
To elucidate this matter, Slater collaborated with Maria McNamara, another UCC paleontologist, and SSRL scientists to scrutinize 125-million-year-old feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus and the archaic bird Confuciusornis, as well as a 50-million-year-old feather from the United States. The findings have been recently published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
To identify the proteins present in these ancient feathers, the team employed powerful X-rays from SSRL, which revealed the presence or absence of key beta-protein components. This allowed the scientists to assess whether the sample’s beta-proteins had retained their original form or had undergone chemical alterations over time, according to SSRL scientist Sam Webb.
Additionally, separate tests simulating the thermal conditions to which fossils are exposed over millennia were conducted. These tests confirmed that alpha-proteins could emerge as a result of the fossilization process rather than existing naturally in the feathers.
Webb and Slater both noted that the presence of significant alpha-proteins in some fossil feathers was likely due to thermal alterations during the fossilization stage rather than being inherently part of the original feather structure.
“The discovery of the discrepancy in protein composition is chiefly attributable to protein degradation over the course of the fossilization process,” said Slater. “While some ancient feathers do show remnants of original beta-proteins, others display alpha-proteins which are the product of fossilization.”
Sam Webb emphasized that the potential for original protein structures to evolve over extensive periods is an aspect frequently neglected in paleontological studies. “Correlating our X-ray findings with laboratory measurements from experimentally heated feather samples has enabled us to calibrate our results more accurately,” he added.
Senior author Maria McNamara noted that although biomolecular traces can endure for millions of years, the fossil record should not be interpreted literally. “Even ostensibly well-preserved fossil tissues have undergone thermal and compressional changes during the fossilization process,” she said.
McNamara further stated, “We are in the process of developing innovative methodologies to decipher what transpires during fossilization and to unearth the chemical intricacies of fossils. This will offer us unprecedented insights into evolutionary processes.”
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 Dinosaur and Bird Feather Composition
What is the main focus of the recent research discussed in the article?
The primary focus of the research is to explore the protein composition of dinosaur feathers and compare it to that of modern bird feathers. The study aims to understand whether the chemical makeup of bird feathers has an ancient origin, possibly dating back to 125 million years ago.
Who conducted the research and where was it published?
The research was conducted by a collaborative team involving scientists from University College Cork (UCC), the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Light Source (SSRL) at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, among other institutions. The findings were published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
What technology was used to gain insights into the evolution of feathers?
The researchers used advanced X-ray technology available at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to analyze the protein structure in fossilized feathers. This enabled them to determine the types of proteins present and whether they had undergone chemical alterations over time.
What were the key findings regarding the protein composition in dinosaur feathers?
The key finding was that the original protein composition of dinosaur feathers was strikingly similar to that of contemporary bird feathers. This suggests that the chemical composition of modern bird feathers likely has a more ancient origin than was previously assumed.
What does the study say about the presence of alpha-proteins in fossilized feathers?
The study notes that alpha-proteins found in fossilized dinosaur feathers are likely not originally present but are formed due to thermal changes during the fossilization process. This was confirmed by separate tests simulating the thermal conditions to which fossils are exposed over time.
What implications does this research have for our understanding of the evolution of birds?
The research indicates that the chemical makeup of bird feathers may have originated much earlier than previously thought. It strengthens the ancestral link between dinosaurs and modern birds and provides new insights into the evolutionary processes that led to the avian species we see today.
What are some challenges faced by scientists in interpreting the fossil record?
According to Maria McNamara, a senior author of the study, the fossil record should not be interpreted literally. Even seemingly well-preserved fossil tissues have undergone thermal and compressional changes during the fossilization process, which can alter the original protein compositions.
What future research directions does the study suggest?
The study suggests the development of new methodologies to decipher what transpires during fossilization and to unearth the chemical intricacies of fossils. This is expected to offer unprecedented insights into evolutionary processes.
More about Dinosaur and Bird Feather Composition
- Nature Ecology and Evolution Journal
- University College Cork Paleontology Department
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Light Source
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
- Overview of Protein Composition in Feathers
- Introduction to Paleontology
- Exploring the Fossil Record
- Insights into Evolutionary Biology
- DOI for the Original Research Paper
7 comments
im amazed. Science just keeps revealing how complex and interconnected life really is. And to think we can analyze 125 million-year-old feathers? Mind-blowing!
Big kudos to the researchers. This kind of work really makes you rethink the way we look at evolution. History is way more complicated than we thought.
Wow, this is groundbreaking! I never knew that dino feathers could tell us so much about birds today. It’s like a time machine but for biology.
That part about not reading the fossil record literally? Totally eye-opening. It’s a good reminder that science always has room for improvement and new understandings.
Interesting but it leaves me with more questions. Like, how did feathers evolve for flight if their original purpose was different? Nature’s full of surprises, isn’t it.
Does this mean my pet parrot is a dino descendant? Coz that would be both awesome and terrifying, lol.
The technology involved here is next level. Using X-rays to look at proteins from millions of years ago? What a time to be alive!