The colors of dinosaurs questioned by a new UCC study

Scientists will have to rethink their theories about dinosaur colors, following a study at University College Cork (UCC).

Scientists had badumed that melanin pigment found in fossils came from the skin, and based their ideas on the colors of ancient animals as a result.

However, university researchers have discovered new sources of pigments that they believe will force scientists to rethink how they reconstruct the color of fossil birds, reptiles and dinosaurs.

Dr. Maria McNamara, who was leading the team that "it is absolutely essential that we understand the origin of melanosomes in fossils if we want to produce accurate reconstructions of the colors of ancient animals".

The team used powerful microscopes and chemical techniques to study the internal tissues of modern frogs to show that internal melanosomes are very abundant.

Mike Benton, a professor at the University of Bristol, said: melanosomes may be the majority of melanosomes preserved in some fossils. "

The team also used disintegration experiments and badyzed fossils to show that internal melanosomes can infiltrate into other parts of the body during the fossilization process." There is a way to differentiate between melanosomes of internal organs and skin

"The size and shape of skin melanosomes are usually distinct from those of internal organs," said Dr. McNamara. will produce more accurate reconstructions of the original colors of ancient vertebrates. "