New Study Suggests Ancient Pterosaurs Had Feathers That Change Colors at a Cellular Level

(Photo : Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images)
A new study that analyzed the fossilized remains of a massive pterosaur found that the dinosaur specie actually had feathers and were able to change their colors at a cellular level. The finding was detailed in a paper that was published in the journal Nature.

Pterosaurs, a species of ancient and majestic flying reptiles during the age of the dinosaurs, ruled the skies, but scientists have long debated whether or not these massive creatures actually had feathers.

However, a new study suggests that not only did these dinosaurs have feathers covering their bodies; they were also able to change their colors at a cellular level. These creatures were capable of creating multi-colored plumage in a way that was similar to what experts observe in modern birds.

Pterosaurs' Color-Changing Feathers

Researchers speculate that the color patterns, which are determined by melanin pigments, could have been used as a way for the flying dinosaurs to communicate with each other. The study that analyzed the findings was published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

The scientists in charge of the study analyzed the fossilized head crest of a Tupandactylus imperator, which is a pterosaur that lived roughly 115 million years ago in what is now known as Brazil. Paleontologists, upon closer inspection, realized that the bottom part of the massive head crest was rimmed with two kinds of feathers, short, wiry ones that were similar to hair and fluffier ones that branch like bird feathers, as per CNN.

A paleontologist at University College Cork in the United Kingdom, Maria McNamara, who is also the lead author of the new paper, said in a video call that the biggest implication of the ability to change feather color was most likely present in the common ancestor of birds and pterosaurs, which lived side by side with dinosaurs between 230 to 66 million years ago all across the world.

Among all fossils found, the species of pterosaur is most recognizable due to its massive head crest. The T. imperator is part of a pterosaur group known as tapejarids that are medium-sized dinosaurs. They are known for the sail-shaped soft tissue crests that are commonly preserved in fossils found in Brazil's Crato Formation.

According to Gizmodo, McNamara added that the recent fossil found by the researchers had melanosomes in its crest but did not detail or provide an analysis of the structures in their paper. They instead focused on the two types of feathers found on the back of the dinosaur's head.

Remarkable Discovery

A co-lead author of the study, paleontologist Dr. Aude Cincotta, said that the team of researchers was not expecting to find such information with the fossil. The team used high-powered electron microscopes to study the feathers.

With the combined efforts of the Belgian and Brazilian scientists and authorities who were working with the help of a private donor, the specimen was repatriated to Brazil. Dr. Pascal Godefroit from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences said that it was of utmost importance for the fossils to be returned to their countries of origin and safely conserved for posterity.

Godefroit said this was done to allow other scientists to gain access to the specimen and conduct further studies and could also inspire future generations of scientists through public exhibitions that celebrate our natural heritage, SciTechDaily reported.