Sediment-encased pressure–temperature maturation experiments elucidate the impact of diagenesis on melanin-based fossil color and its paleobiological implications DOI Creative Commons
Arindam Roy, Michael Pittman, Thomas G. Kaye

et al.

Paleobiology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 49(4), P. 712 - 732

Published: May 8, 2023

Abstract Melanin pigments are central to colors and patterns in modern vertebrate integuments, which inform upon ecological behavioral strategies like crypsis, aposematism, sociosexual selection. Over the last decade, melanin has emerged as a valuable tool for predicting color exceptionally preserved fossil feathers subsequent testing of paleobiological hypotheses long-extinct dinosaurs birds. Yet much remains be learned about stability, diagenetic alterations chemistry, their implications “paleocolor reconstruction.” Pressure–temperature maturation experiments with offer way examine these topics but have mostly been conducted closed-system capsules or open-system aluminum foil. Both methods operational limitations do not consider filtering effect porous sediment matrices on thermally labile chemical groups versus stable ones during natural fossilization. We use sediment-encased resolve this issue demonstrate replication organic preservation highly comparable compression fossils. Our experiments, coupled time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, show predictable volatilization N/S-bearing molecules increased cross-linking elevated temperatures. also suggest that eumelanin is more compared pheomelanin at higher temperatures, explaining why eumelanic (black, dark brown, iridescent) better fossils than pheomelanic (reddish brown). Furthermore, we propose proteins preferentially undergo hydrolysis so forming N-heterocycles selectively open systems analogous matrices. Thus, conclude diagenetically altered protein remnants key players promoting fossilization soft tissues feathers.

Language: Английский

Ecological and Biotechnological Aspects of Pigmented Microbes: A Way Forward in Development of Food and Pharmaceutical Grade Pigments DOI Creative Commons
Chatragadda Ramesh, Laurent Dufossé

Microorganisms, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9(3), P. 637 - 637

Published: March 18, 2021

Microbial pigments play multiple roles in the ecosystem construction, survival, and fitness of all kinds organisms. Considerably, microbial (bacteria, fungi, yeast, microalgae) offer a wide array food, drug, colorants, dyes, imaging applications. In contrast to natural from microbes, synthetic colorants are widely used due high production, intensity, low cost. Nevertheless, gaining more demand over as have demonstrated side effects on human health. Therefore, research needs be extended, explored, exploited find potential industrial this review, evolutionary aspects, spatial significance important pigments, biomedical applications, gaps, future perspectives detailed briefly. The pathogenic nature some pigmented bacteria is also for awareness safe handling. addition, macro-organisms discussed sections comparison with microbes.

Language: Английский

Citations

64
Melanin: insights into structure, analysis, and biological activities for future development DOI
Wen Song, Haoyue Yang, Song Liu

et al.

Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(32), P. 7528 - 7543

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

A comprehensive review of melanin's structure, identification methods, and biological activities, highlighting its potential for further development diverse applications in various fields.

Language: Английский

Citations

31
Morphology and distribution of scales, dermal ossifications, and other non‐feather integumentary structures in non‐avialan theropod dinosaurs DOI
Christophe Hendrickx, Phil R. Bell, Michael Pittman

et al.

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 97(3), P. 960 - 1004

Published: Jan. 6, 2022

ABSTRACT Modern birds are typified by the presence of feathers, complex evolutionary innovations that were already widespread in group theropod dinosaurs (Maniraptoriformes) include crown Aves. Squamous or scaly reptilian‐like skin is, however, considered plesiomorphic condition for theropods and more broadly. Here, we review morphology distribution non‐feathered integumentary structures non‐avialan theropods, covering squamous naked as well dermal ossifications. The record non‐averostran is limited to tracks, which ubiquitously show a tiny reticulate scales on plantar surface pes. This consistent also with younger averostran body fossils, confirm an arthral arrangement digital pads. Among averostrans, confirmed Ceratosauria ( Carnotaurus ), Allosauroidea Allosaurus , Concavenator Lourinhanosaurus Compsognathidae Juravenator Tyrannosauroidea Santanaraptor Albertosaurus Daspletosaurus Gorgosaurus Tarbosaurus Tyrannosaurus whereas ossifications consisting sagittate mosaic osteoderms restricted Ceratosaurus . Naked, non‐scale bearing found contentious tetanuran Sciurumimus ornithomimosaurians Ornithomimus ) possibly tyrannosauroids patagia scansoriopterygids Ambopteryx Yi ). Scales surprisingly conservative among compared some dinosaurian groups (e.g. hadrosaurids); preservation tegument most specimens hinders further interrogation. Scale patterns vary and/or within regions polarised, snake‐like ventral tail latter two genera. Unusual but uniformly distributed patterning occurs feature present only Few currently compelling evidence co‐occurrence feathers Sinornithosaurus although probably retained mani pedes many heavy plumage. Feathers filamentous appear have replaced integuments maniraptorans. Theropod skin, broadly, remains virtually untapped area study appropriation commonly used techniques other palaeontological fields holds great promise future insights into biology, taphonomy relationships these extinct animals.

Language: Английский

Citations

36
Optimizing Color Saturation in Colloidal Photonic Crystals by Control of Absorber Amount and Distribution DOI Creative Commons

Carina Bittner,

Gudrun Bleyer, Nico Nees

et al.

Advanced Materials Interfaces, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11(12)

Published: Feb. 7, 2024

Abstract Nanostructured materials that mimic structural coloration in nature can be synthetically created by colloidal self‐assembly. To maximize optical effects, the natural world integrates melanin as a broadband absorber to remove incoherently scattered light. Polydopamine (PDA) is used synthetic analog of systematically investigate influence quantity and distribution on color saturation photonic crystals. The absorbing PDA integrated into two distinct ways: homogenous crystals are produced from core–shell particles with incrementally increasing polydopamine shells, heterogeneous formed co‐assembly varying ratios polystyrene (PS) PS@PDA particles. chromaticity quantified converting measured spectra reconstructed colors L*a*b* sphere identify structures optimal saturation. Simulations based discrete dipole approximation (DDA) indicate homogeneous most efficient creating saturated coloration. Experiments, however, demonstrate incorporation outperforms strategies, it allows for more precise adjustment content required concentration range. These results underline importance incorporating absorbers ways which prepared.

Language: Английский

Citations

7
Tissue-specific geometry and chemistry of modern and fossilized melanosomes reveal internal anatomy of extinct vertebrates DOI Creative Commons
Valentina Rossi, Maria E. McNamara,

Sam Webb

et al.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 116(36), P. 17880 - 17889

Published: Aug. 19, 2019

Significance Recent reports of nonintegumentary melanosomes in fossils hint at functions for melanin beyond color production, but the biology and evolution internal melanins are poorly understood. Our results show that widespread diverse fossil modern vertebrates have tissue-specific geometries metal chemistries. Tissue-specific chemical signatures can persist despite some diagenetic overprint, allowing reconstruction soft-tissue anatomy vertebrates, suggest links between regulation deep evolutionary origins vertebrates.

Language: Английский

Citations

44
Chemical characterization of pterosaur melanin challenges color inferences in extinct animals DOI Creative Commons
Felipe L. Pinheiro, Gustavo Prado, Shosuke Ito

et al.

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 9(1)

Published: Nov. 4, 2019

Abstract Melanosomes (melanin-bearing organelles) are common in the fossil record occurring as dense packs of globular microbodies. The organic component comprising melanosome, melanin, is often preserved fossils, allowing identification chemical nature constituent pigment. In present-day vertebrates, melanosome morphology correlates with their pigment content selected melanin-containing structures, and this interdependency employed color reconstruction extinct animals. lack analyses integrating melanosomes pigments, however, makes these inferences tentative. Here, we chemically characterize melanin soft tissue headcrest pterosaur Tupandactylus imperator by alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation followed high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrate unequivocal presence eumelanin T. headcrest. Scanning electron microscopy statistical analyses, reveal that containing undistinguishable to pheomelanin-bearing organelles extant vertebrates. Based on new findings, straightforward based may not be valid for all reconstructions ultrastructure alone should regarded caution.

Language: Английский

Citations

37
Recent advances in heteromorph ammonoid palaeobiology DOI Creative Commons
René Hoffmann,

Joshua S. Slattery,

Isabelle Kruta

et al.

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 96(2), P. 576 - 610

Published: Jan. 13, 2021

ABSTRACT Heteromorphs are ammonoids forming a conch with detached whorls (open coiling) or non‐planispiral coiling. Such aberrant forms appeared convergently four times within this extinct group of cephalopods. Since Wiedmann's seminal paper in journal, the palaeobiology heteromorphs has advanced substantially. Combining direct evidence from their fossil record, indirect insights phylogenetic bracketing, and physical as well virtual models, we reach an improved understanding heteromorph ammonoid palaeobiology. Their anatomy, buoyancy, locomotion, predators, diet, palaeoecology, extinction discussed. Based on bracketing nautiloids coleoids, like other had 10 arms, well‐developed brain, lens eyes, buccal mass radula smaller upper larger lower jaw, ammonia soft tissue. likely lacked arm suckers, hooks, tentacles, hood, ink sac. All Cretaceous share aptychus‐type jaw lamellar calcitic covering. Differences radular tooth morphology size suggest microphagous diet. Stomach contents comprise planktic crustaceans, gastropods, crinoids, suggesting zooplanktic Forms U‐shaped body chamber (ancylocone) regarded suspension feeders, whereas orthoconic additionally might have consumed benthic prey. could achieve near‐neutral buoyancy regardless shape ontogeny. Orthoconic vertical orientation, ancylocone near‐horizontal aperture pointing upwards. more stable hydrodynamically than modern Nautilus were unable substantially to modify orientation by active i.e. they no limited access prey at adulthood. Pathologies reported for inflicted fish, marine reptiles, Ptychoceras corroborates external shell rejects endocochleate hypothesis. Devonian, Triassic, Jurassic preference deep‐subtidal offshore facies but rare shallow‐subtidal, slope, bathyal facies. Early preferred Late common shallow‐subtidal Oxygen isotope data rapid growth demersal habitat adult Discoscaphites Baculites . A embryonic stage, hatchlings, change after one whorl is proposed Hoploscaphites Carbon indicate that some lived throughout lives cold seeps. Adaptation life habit potentially drove selection towards implying high fecundity ecological role hatchlings micro‐ mesoplankton. The Chicxulub impact Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary 66 million years ago trigger ammonoids. Ammonoids persisted event 40–500 thousand exclusively represented heteromorphs. linked small hatchling sizes, planktotrophic diets, higher metabolic rates nautilids, which survived K/Pg event.

Language: Английский

Citations

32
GC-MS-MS analysis and biological properties determination of Mentha piperita L., essential oils DOI
Nasreddine El Omari, Imane Chamkhi, Abdelaali Balahbib

et al.

Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 116, P. 104875 - 104875

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

4
Mesozoic mammaliaforms illuminate the origins of pelage coloration DOI

Ruoshuang Li,

Liliana D’Alba, Gerben Debruyn

et al.

Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 387(6739), P. 1193 - 1198

Published: March 13, 2025

Pelage coloration, which serves numerous functions, is crucial to the evolution of behavior, physiology, and habitat preferences mammals. However, little known about coloration Mesozoic mammaliaforms that coevolved with dinosaurs. In this study, we used a dataset melanosome (melanin-containing organelle) morphology quantitatively measured hair colors from 116 extant mammals reliably reconstruct six mammaliaforms, including previously undescribed euharamiyidan. Unlike highly diverse melanosomes discovered in feathered dinosaurs, hairs different lineages ecomorphotypes showed uniform geometry, corresponding dark-brown consistent crypsis nocturnality. Our results suggest variation color expansion seen may have occurred during their rapid radiation diversification after Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Chemistry and Analysis of Organic Compounds in Dinosaurs DOI Creative Commons
Mariam Tahoun, Marianne Engeser, Vigneshwaran Namasivayam

et al.

Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 11(5), P. 670 - 670

Published: April 27, 2022

This review provides an overview of organic compounds detected in non-avian dinosaur fossils to date. was enabled by the development sensitive analytical techniques. Non-destructive methods and procedures restricted sample surface, e.g., light electron microscopy, infrared (IR) Raman spectroscopy, as well more invasive approaches including liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), time-of-flight secondary ion spectrometry, immunological were employed. Organic samples include pigments (heme, biliverdin, protoporphyrin IX, melanin), proteins, such collagens keratins. The origin nature observed protein signals is, however, some cases, controversially discussed. Molecular taphonomy can support suitable confirm reported findings identify further other future. chemical properties various dinosaurs, techniques utilized for identification analysis each will be

Language: Английский

Citations

17