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Countershading and Stripes in the Theropod Dinosaur Sinosauropteryx Reveal Heterogeneous Habitats in the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota
Authors
Fiann M. Smithwick, Robert Nicholls, Innes C. Cuthill, and Jakob Vinther
Correspondence
jakob.vinther@bristol.ac.uk
In Brief
Smithwick et al. reconstruct the coloration of the small carnivorous dinosaur Sinosauropteryx. It had a bandit mask and striped tail and was also countershaded (see image). Using 3D models under different light, the authors show that its camouflage would have worked best in an open habitat. Paleocolor can help predict paleohabitat.
Highlights
- We have reconstructed the color pattern of the theropod dinosaur Sinosauropteryx
- Sinosauropteryx exhibited camouflage, including countershading and a bandit mask
- The countershading pattern was most likely associated with an open habitat
- Previously assumed to be forested, Jehol likely included a range of habitat types
Smithwick et al., 2017, Current Biology 27, 3337–3343
November 6, 2017 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.09.032
