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dan_dares t1_j281zsx wrote

Skin is rarely intact but we have examples, so we can tell what the texture of those examples was.

However you are right that currently we cannot determine the pigmentation.

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yirzmstrebor t1_j2ck5bt wrote

We can, in fact, determine the coloration of dinosaurs , given well-preserved specimens. Most of these have been pigmentation of feathers. Microraptor had iridescent black feathers like modern crows, Anchiornis had black, white and grey feathers all over its body and a crest of dark red or ochre feathers on its head, and Sinosauropteryx had rusty orange feathers over its body and white rings on its tail. However, we have been able to discern the pigmentation of a couple of non-feathered dinosaurs. Psittacosaurus was counter-shaded (dark back, pale belly) and had stripes and spots resembling camouflage patterns seen in some modern animals such as certain deer. Borealopelta was also counter-shaded in shades of brown.

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dan_dares t1_j2cosn6 wrote

I love it when I learn something new.

Thank you!

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