What's Happening?
A new study published in Nature re-analyzes the fossil of Mirasaura grauvogeli, a 247-million-year-old reptile, revealing that its feather-like back fin was used for communication rather than flight. The fin, composed of skin rather than feathers, likely served as a tool for interaction among the species. The study, conducted by paleontologists at Stuttgart’s State Museum of Natural History, suggests that these structures were malleable and preserved pigment-carrying particles similar to those found in birds.
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Why It's Important?
The findings challenge previous assumptions about the evolution of vertebrate skin and its capabilities, suggesting a broader range of evolutionary possibilities. This discovery provides new insights into the communication methods of ancient reptiles, contributing to the understanding of their social behaviors and interactions. It also highlights the importance of revisiting and re-analyzing old fossils with new technology to uncover previously unknown aspects of prehistoric life.
