An incredible fossil discovery dating back to about 247 million years ago It is revolutionizing what we know about the evolution of the skin in reptiles. It is Miasaura Grauvogelia small arboriculian reptile lived in Medium triassiccharacterized by a surprising dorsal crest made up of feathers similar. To date, it was believed that the reptiles had never developed complex skin appendices such as hair or feathers, but the new fossils from France overturn this hypothesis.
The researchers found Two almost complete skeletons and beyond 80 skin fragments belonging to Miasaura. The analyzes show that his ridge was composed of Overlapping appendageseach with A subtle central ridge And Two curved layers on the sides. Even if it is not true feathers, these structures were soft, flexible and roughvery different from the rigid scales typical of reptiles.
The images obtained under the electronic microscope (SEM) reveal one folded plotwhich suggests a function visual or communicative rather than flight or thermal insulation. The ridge stood above a spinal survey evident, probably deputy to support its elevation.
The skull of just 17mmwith Very large front eyesindicates an excellent perception of the depth, fundamental for moving between the branches. The almost teeth -free muzzle made one think of a diet based on insects, probably collected by the cortex of the trees. Miasaura’s body was elongatedwith Presele arts And recurre clawsperfect for climbing and moving easily like a squirrel.
Fossil pigments tell a story of colors
Fragments of fabric preserved inside the crest have revealed the presence of fossil melanosomessmall pigment carrier structures. According to the Dr. Valentina Rossithe shape of these melanosomes is very similar to that found in bird feathers, and completely different from that typical of the scales of the reptiles or the hair of mammals. This suggests that Miasaura could have visual colors or patternperhaps used for coupling or social recognition. However, at the moment it is not possible to reconstruct the original color of the ridge.
Another reptile with a similar ridge is Longisquama Insignisalso lived in the triassic and part of the same group, i Drepanosauromorfi. The two species share numerous characteristics: bilateral symmetry of the appendices, defined central axis and a regular organization. However, their structures are evolved regardless of the feathers of birds and dinosaurs, while drawing on Similar genetic programs.
According to the phylogenetic analysis, Miasaura is placed outside the main modern reptile groupslike lizards, crocodiles and birdsand even outside the group Sauriawhich includes all living reptiles. This makes the presence of such advanced skin structures even more surprising.
A forgotten fossil that rewrites the history of Drepanosauromorfi
The first remains of Miasaura were collected in the 1930s in Alsace from Louis Grauvogelbut they were never studied thoroughly. Only in 2019thanks to the donation of the collection al Statale Museum of Natural History of Stuttgartthe researchers recognized the importance of those fragments. The name Miasaura Grauvogeli literally means “Reptile wonder of Grauvogel”in homage to the collector.
This discovery anticipates the origin of the Drepanosauromorfi of Almost 20 million yearsbringing it to the average triassic, and shows that The skin of the reptiles was much more complex how much it has always been thought. Nature, once again, has been able to reinvent Similar solutions in completely different evolutionary lines.
The complete study was published in the scientific journal Nature.
