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Cellular structure of dinosaur scales reveals retention of reptile-type skin during the evolutionary transition to feathers

Author

Listed:
  • Zixiao Yang

    (University College Cork
    University College Cork)

  • Baoyu Jiang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Jiaxin Xu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Maria E. McNamara

    (University College Cork
    University College Cork)

Abstract

Fossil feathers have transformed our understanding of integumentary evolution in vertebrates. The evolution of feathers is associated with novel skin ultrastructures, but the fossil record of these changes is poor and thus the critical transition from scaled to feathered skin is poorly understood. Here we shed light on this issue using preserved skin in the non-avian feathered dinosaur Psittacosaurus. Skin in the non-feathered, scaled torso is three-dimensionally replicated in silica and preserves epidermal layers, corneocytes and melanosomes. The morphology of the preserved stratum corneum is consistent with an original composition rich in corneous beta proteins, rather than (alpha-) keratins as in the feathered skin of birds. The stratum corneum is relatively thin in the ventral torso compared to extant quadrupedal reptiles, reflecting a reduced demand for mechanical protection in an elevated bipedal stance. The distribution of the melanosomes in the fossil skin is consistent with melanin-based colouration in extant crocodilians. Collectively, the fossil evidence supports partitioning of skin development in Psittacosaurus: a reptile-type condition in non-feathered regions and an avian-like condition in feathered regions. Retention of reptile-type skin in non-feathered regions would have ensured essential skin functions during the early, experimental stages of feather evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Zixiao Yang & Baoyu Jiang & Jiaxin Xu & Maria E. McNamara, 2024. "Cellular structure of dinosaur scales reveals retention of reptile-type skin during the evolutionary transition to feathers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48400-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48400-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Quanguo Li & Julia A. Clarke & Ke-Qin Gao & Chang-Fu Zhou & Qingjin Meng & Daliang Li & Liliana D’Alba & Matthew D. Shawkey, 2014. "Melanosome evolution indicates a key physiological shift within feathered dinosaurs," Nature, Nature, vol. 507(7492), pages 350-353, March.
    2. Aude Cincotta & Michaël Nicolaï & Hebert Bruno Nascimento Campos & Maria McNamara & Liliana D’Alba & Matthew D. Shawkey & Edio-Ernst Kischlat & Johan Yans & Robert Carleer & François Escuillié & Pasca, 2022. "Pterosaur melanosomes support signalling functions for early feathers," Nature, Nature, vol. 604(7907), pages 684-688, April.
    3. Michael J. Benton, 2022. "A colourful view of the origin of dinosaur feathers," Nature, Nature, vol. 604(7907), pages 630-631, April.
    4. Baoyu Jiang & George E. Harlow & Kenneth Wohletz & Zhonghe Zhou & Jin Meng, 2014. "New evidence suggests pyroclastic flows are responsible for the remarkable preservation of the Jehol biota," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, May.
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