5 minute lesson
Decoding Dinosaur Feathers
Do we really know what dinosaurs looked like? Better yet, can we tell what color dinosaur feathers were?
By looking at well-preserved fossils of dinosaur feathers, we might be even closer to knowing what these ancient creatures looked like. It turns out that a feather’s coloration leaves distinct markings once it has fossilized. This means that it is possible to tell what color these long extinct creatures may have been.
To explain the process of decoding dinosaur feather coloration and some of the science behind it, here’s TED-ed:
Why It Matters
Think about how many science topics we covered in this video. Paleontology isn’t just about studying fossils, it brings together other fields of science like physics and even chemistry!
This is a great example of the ways the concepts we learn about aren’t compartmentalized. Together, they allow us to make breakthroughs in science, technology, and even the arts!
Let's Talk About It
TED-Ed
TED-Ed’s commitment to creating lessons worth sharing is an extension of TED’s mission of spreading great ideas. Within TED-Ed’s growing library of TED-Ed animations, you will find carefully curated educational videos, many of which represent collaborations between talented educators and animators nominated through the TED-Ed website (ed.ted.com).