A new study has revealed that the pterosaur Sinopterus dongi, which soared through the skies millions of years ago, possessed iridescent feathers in shades of green and magenta. This finding, based on the analysis of fossilized melanosomes, suggests that these flying reptiles already used bright colors to court mates, a strategy previously thought to be exclusive to modern birds.
Elevated metabolism and pigmented feathers: the technical key 🧬
The study analyzed the structure of melanosomes in the fossils, comparing them with those of modern birds. The presence of these rod-shaped organelles indicates that the feathers of Sinopterus dongi were capable of reflecting light in a structured way, generating iridescent coloration. This trait, along with the high metabolism required to maintain the plumage, suggests that these animals were active endotherms, similar to birds, and not cold-blooded reptiles as previously thought.
The pterosaur that dressed to impress (and not to keep warm) 🦎
So, while some humans still debate whether to wear a checkered or plain shirt for a date, a creature from 120 million years ago was already dressing in green and magenta feathers to flirt. Most likely, if Sinopterus dongi lived today, it would have more success on Tinder than half of its users. Of course, at least we don't need an Olympic athlete's metabolism to maintain the look.