Amazing Dinosaur Fossil Found in Amber

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Yes, it’s hard to imagine dinosaurs had feathers, but it’s true. Need more proof? Check out this recently discovered fossil of a dinosaur’s feathered tail… which happens to be the Jurassic discovery of the year!

National Geographic reports via The Cell that the tail of a 99-million-year-old dinosaur, including bones, soft tissue, and even feathers, has been found preserved in amber.

CT scans and microscopic analysis of the sample revealed eight vertebrae from the middle or end of a long, thin tail that may have been originally made up of more than 25 vertebrae.

Based on the structure of the tail, researchers believe it belongs to a juvenile Coelurosaur, part of a group of theropod dinosaurs that includes everything from tyrannosaurs to modern birds.

Dinosaur Tail

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM

Dinosaur Tail

PHOTOGRAPH BY LIDA XING

Dinosaur Tail

PHOTOGRAPH BY R.C. MCKELLAR, ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM

coelurosaur

Artist’s rendition of a feathered juvenile Coelurosaur

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