Did Dinosaurs Have Feathers?
Are you looking for an easy way to teach your child about dinosaurs? We’ve put together a set of free materials that parents and teachers can use right away. In this lesson, your child will dive into the fascinating world of whether dinosaurs have feathers.
We’ll explore the surprising types of outer body coverings dinosaurs had. Explore science in a more engaging way with captivating 3D videos and interactive quizzes. Download our app to get started!
Table of Contents
What You Will Learn From This Lesson
- Most dinosaurs had scales, and some had feathers.
For many years, some people thought dinosaurs had bare skin, but scientists now know better. Evidence suggests that most dinosaurs actually had scales. The Edmontosaurus, for instance, had scales covering its body, and skin imprints from this creature can even become fossilized. Even the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex likely had scales. These body scales served an essential function: they helped the dinosaurs retain moisture.
While scales were common, some dinosaurs were covered in feathers. Scientists studying fossils have found traces of feathers on species like the Anchiornis. Another dinosaur known to have had feathers is the Microraptor. Remarkably, by examining these fossil traces, scientists have been able to determine the colors of these ancient feathers. The fact that dinosaurs had scales and feathers shows they had very distinct and unique looks.
Fun Fact
- Most dinosaurs were covered in scales that helped their bodies stay hydrated and hold onto moisture.
- Tyrannosaurus rex had scales covering its body, not bare skin, which is a fact revealed by fossil evidence.
- Fossilized skin imprints from dinosaurs like the Edmontosaurus are valuable finds for scientists.
- Some dinosaurs, such as Anchiornis, had feathers instead of scales.
- Scientists can figure out the color of a dinosaur’s feathers by studying fossilized traces.
Vocabulary
- Scales: Small, rigid plates that covered the bodies of most dinosaurs, including the Edmontosaurus, helping them retain moisture.
- Feathers: Light, specialized outgrowths of skin found on some dinosaurs, such as the Anchiornis and Microraptor.