Skin, scales, and cells in a Jurassic plesiosaur.

IF 8.1 1区 生物学 Q1 BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Current Biology Pub Date : 2025-03-10 Epub Date: 2025-02-06 DOI:10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.001
Miguel Marx, Peter Sjövall, Benjamin P Kear, Martin Jarenmark, Mats E Eriksson, Sven Sachs, Klaus Nilkens, Michiel Op De Beeck, Johan Lindgren
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Plesiosaurs are an iconic group of Mesozoic marine reptiles with an evolutionary history spanning over 140 million years (Ma).1 Their skeletal remains have been discovered worldwide; however, accompanying fossilized soft tissues are exceptionally rare.2 Here, we report a virtually complete plesiosaur from the Lower Jurassic (∼183 Ma)3 Posidonia Shale of Germany that preserves skin traces from around the tail and front flipper. The tail integument was apparently scale-less and retains identifiable melanosomes, keratinocytes with cell nuclei, and the stratum corneum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale of the epidermis. Molecular analysis reveals aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons that likely denote degraded original organics. The flipper integument otherwise integrates small, sub-triangular structures reminiscent of modern reptilian scales. These may have influenced flipper hydrodynamics and/or provided traction on the substrate during benthic feeding. Similar to other sea-going reptiles,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 scalation covering at least part of the body therefore probably augmented the paleoecology of plesiosaurs.

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来源期刊
Current Biology
Current Biology 生物-生化与分子生物学
CiteScore
11.80
自引率
2.20%
发文量
869
审稿时长
46 days
期刊介绍: Current Biology is a comprehensive journal that showcases original research in various disciplines of biology. It provides a platform for scientists to disseminate their groundbreaking findings and promotes interdisciplinary communication. The journal publishes articles of general interest, encompassing diverse fields of biology. Moreover, it offers accessible editorial pieces that are specifically designed to enlighten non-specialist readers.
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