New dinosaur discovery sheds light on one of evolution’s greatest mysteries

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Psittacosaurus – a plant-eating creature about the size of a large dog – roamed the forests of China, Russia and Mongolia somewhere between 135 and 120 million years ago and is now helping shed new light on how reptile scales became bird feathers. “There are potentially many more fossils with hidden soft tissues awaiting discovery.” Feathers are highly complex structures that require specific skin adaptations to help with feather growth, flight, and regulating body heat. open image in gallery The Psittacosaurus - a plant-eating creature about the size of a large dog - roamed the forests of China, Russia and Mongolia somewhere between 135-120 million years ago The team also found the preserved skin pigment to be consistent with that seen in the scales of reptiles, like crocodiles. The researchers said their findings suggest Psittacosaurus’s skin had “zoned development”, with reptile-style scales in some areas – such as the torso – and bird-like skin with feathers in other areas – such as the tail.