"An international team of scientists has confirmed that the disputed dark spots in the feathers of Anchiornis huxleyii are original melanosomes, the organelles of pigment in bird wings. Science Daily says, The idea that melanosomes, which produce melanin pigment, are preserved in fossils has been hotly debated among scientists during the last several years. Microscopic traces that to some scientists seem to resemble melanosomes, appear to skeptics to instead be similar-looking bacteria.
The new study resolves the debate, .... by adding a powerful second line of evidence: chemistry. “We have integrated structural and molecular evidence that demonstrates that melanosomes do persist in the fossil record,” said Carney, who helped design and write the study. “This evidence of animal-specific melanin in fossil feathers is the final nail in the coffin that shows that these microbodies are indeed melanosomes and not microbes.” The melanins in the specimen, said to be 150 million years old, are “virtually identical” to modern-day melanin, the researchers said, except for “minor contributions from sulfur in the fossil.”
There is no explanation in the article how these organelles could last so long. There is only mention that the preservation of these organelles is “hotly debated”." CEH
There is no explanation in the article how these organelles could last so long. There is only mention that the preservation of these organelles is “hotly debated”." CEH
I am the LORD that maketh all things;
Isaiah 44:24