Fossilized Feather Identified in Multi-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Droppings
A coprolite discovered in Montana in 2016 yielded the remains of a relative of modern birds, providing new clues about the role of plumage in the survival of certain dinosaurs during the mass extinction 66 million years ago.
According to an article published by Le Monde, a coprolite—fossilized excrement—discovered in Montana in 2016 has made it possible to identify a feather belonging to a relative of modern birds.
According to the same source, this discovery provides clues about how plumage may have allowed certain dinosaurs to survive the mass extinction that occurred 66 million years ago.
Le Monde notes that analysis of this coprolite uncovered organic remains that were sufficiently well preserved to allow the identification of the feather and the species to which it belonged.
This discovery is part of paleontological research aimed at better understanding the evolution of feathering in dinosaurs and its possible adaptive role in the face of the climatic and environmental upheavals that marked the end of the Cretaceous period.
Sources
- Une plume retrouvée dans une crotte de dinosaure a été identifiée — Le Monde — Une
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
Exceptional Discovery of Denisovan Fossils in a Southwestern Chinese Cave
Extremely rare remains of these Asian "cousins" of Neanderthals have been unearthed alongside stone tools, shedding new light on their way of life.
Poison suspected in deaths of ten lions at Tanzania game reserve
The lions were discovered dead in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, prompting wildlife officials to investigate.
European Space Agency Launches Two Satellites to Monitor Climate Change
The new satellites will help scientists study the effects of climate change, with one instrument dedicated to observing plant life
Scientific American's October Retrospective Looks Back at Smallpox, Skyscrapers and Racetrack Research
A historical column published by Scientific American revisits science and technology milestones from 50, 100 and 150 years ago, touching on smallpox eradication efforts, skyscraper excavation work and research conducted at racetracks.
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day Features Analemma Over Scotland's Callanish Stones
The September 20, 2026 edition of NASA's long-running APOD series highlights a composite image showing the sun's yearly path above the ancient Callanish Stones.
New Archaeological Evidence Points to Hidden Passages Behind Tutankhamun's Tomb
Archaeological study reopens the file on the lost tomb of Queen Nefertiti after detecting indicators of undiscovered chambers and passages behind the walls of the young pharaoh's tomb in the Valley of the Kings
Comments
Loading comments…