Fossil feathers reveal their hues

The origins of the stripes seen in the feathers have long been debated The complex coloured plumage of extinct birds which once soared over the heads of dinosaurs could soon be revealed. Scientists have shown they are able to interpret the colour patterns seen in 100 million-year-old fossil feathers. Writing in the journal Biology Letters, US researchers reveal how ancient feathers found in Brazil displayed "striking" bands of black and white. Previously, fossil experts could only guess at the range of hues exhibited by ancient birds and some dinosaurs. "It solves a conundrum," explained Dr Mike Benton of the University of Bristol, commenting on the work. Behavioural clues The team from Yale University analysed fossil feathers from Brazil and Denmark, along with the plumage of modern birds. The fossil feathers had an obvious... [read full story]