The first scientifically reconstructed dinosaur

Our work on fossilized melanosomes and the ability to establish colors of extinct fossil organisms finally rounded a seminal corner. We have now developed a method to statistically predict colors on feathered fossils and used it on a feathered non-avian dinosaur from China.

The water color rendering above shows our interpretation of Anchiornis huxleyi based on our studies. The artist is Michael DiGiorgio who made it under the supervision of Dr. Richard Prum.

Together with Dr. Matthew Shawkey and his Post Doc. Dr. Liliana D`Alba we could reconstruct the plumage patterns based on 29 distinct samples from different parts of the body. In order to reliably predict the color Dr. Shawkey and Dr. D`Alba had measured the melanosome content of 36 modern feathers of different color and hues (12 grey, 12 brown and 12 black). This formed a dataset from which we reliably could predict the colors as seen above.

The project was funded by National Geographic who has also made a 3d animation of Anchiornis.

Another research team situated in Bristol have also studied fossil melanosomes and recognized similar melanosome mophologies as we have. But the team have not tried to establish a method to recognize hues of color with confidence, so their recent claim of an analysis of Sinosauropteryx being ginger based on a single sample might be need reconsideration.

Yale University »

Yale University, apparently one of the major socalled Ivy league universities. They can proudly tell you that both George Bush senior and junior studied here.

Department of Geology and Geophysics »

Click here and read about the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Yale University where I am studying.

Geological Institute of Copenhagen »

The Geological Institute of Copenhagen where I studied in Denmark. They have done a great work on their new homepage. Click in left corner of page for english text.

Geological museum of Copenhagen »

The Geological Museum of Copenhagen. I did my Masters and Bachelors thesis there with David A. T. Harper. A great museum with an excellent exhibition on the geology of Greenland, the worlds largest bivalve, A magnificent new exhibition on meteorites and the solar system, decoration by the Danish artist and geologist Per Kirkeby and many other things. there is an english version on page as well

Regensen »

Before starting my study as a graduate at Yale, I studied in Copenhagen, Denmark and were staying in one of the oldest and most social residential halls in town. Click the logo above to see their homepage. Unfortunately you can only view it in Danish, but there is some great pics.