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Taphonomic experiments reveal authentic molecular signals for fossil melanins and verify preservation of phaeomelanin in fossils

Author

Listed:
  • Tiffany S. Slater

    (University College Cork
    University College Cork)

  • Shosuke Ito

    (Fujita Health University)

  • Kazumasa Wakamatsu

    (Fujita Health University)

  • Fucheng Zhang

    (Linyi University)

  • Peter Sjövall

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Materials and Production)

  • Martin Jarenmark

    (Lund University)

  • Johan Lindgren

    (Lund University)

  • Maria E. McNamara

    (University College Cork
    University College Cork)

Abstract

Melanin pigments play a critical role in physiological processes and shaping animal behaviour. Fossil melanin is a unique resource for understanding the functional evolution of melanin but the impact of fossilisation on molecular signatures for eumelanin and, especially, phaeomelanin is not fully understood. Here we present a model for the chemical taphonomy of fossil eumelanin and phaeomelanin based on thermal maturation experiments using feathers from extant birds. Our results reveal which molecular signatures are authentic signals for thermally matured eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which signatures are artefacts derived from the maturation of non-melanin molecules, and how these chemical data are impacted by sample preparation. Our model correctly predicts the molecular composition of eumelanins in diverse vertebrate fossils from the Miocene and Cretaceous and, critically, identifies direct molecular evidence for phaeomelanin in these fossils. This taphonomic framework adds to the geochemical toolbox that underpins reconstructions of melanin evolution and of melanin-based coloration in fossil vertebrates.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiffany S. Slater & Shosuke Ito & Kazumasa Wakamatsu & Fucheng Zhang & Peter Sjövall & Martin Jarenmark & Johan Lindgren & Maria E. McNamara, 2023. "Taphonomic experiments reveal authentic molecular signals for fossil melanins and verify preservation of phaeomelanin in fossils," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-40570-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40570-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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