Iridescent structural coloration in a crested Cretaceous enantiornithine bird from Jehol Biota
Overview
Paper Summary
Microscopic analysis of a 120-million-year-old fossil feather from the Jehol Biota indicates it may have been iridescent. The feather has unusual barb morphology and melanosome arrangement, and its position on the bird's body is not definitive. The study suggests the feather may have been part of a colorful crest used by males for sexual display.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists used fancy microscopes and computer models to figure out that a feather from a dinosaur-era bird was probably shiny and colorful, maybe to attract mates.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified.
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This study uses novel methods to investigate the structural coloration of a fossilized feather and links it to sexual selection. Although the study acknowledges some limitations related to feather morphology and fossilization processes, it provides compelling evidence for iridescent coloration in a stem-group bird. The rating reflects the quality of the methodology but acknowledges the need to address open questions regarding the morphology and positioning of the feather.
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