” The color spectrum ranges from yellow to red with all the transitions in between, which recommends that there were clear regional distinctions in the fossilization of these scallops,” adds Wolkenstein.
Reference: “Fluorescent colour patterns in the basal pectinid Pleuronectites from the Middle Triassic of Central Europe: origin, fate and taxonomic implications of fluorescence” by Klaus Wolkenstein, 27 October 2022, Palaeontology.DOI: 10.1111/ pala.12625.
According to a new research study from the University of Göttingen, fluorescent color patterns may even be found in 240 million-year-old shells from the Earths Mesozoic Era. Traces of color patterns are incredibly unusual in Mesozoic Era fossils. UV light examination of scallops from the Triassic age– right at the start of the Mesozoic Era– exposes that color patterns are maintained much more often than formerly believed. The color patterns of todays scallops do not reveal any fluorescence.
Scallop Pleuronectites from the Triassic duration with fluorescent color pattern, under UV light. Credit: Klaus Wolkenstein
A geobiologist from Göttingen University has found a diversity of patterns in 240 million-year-old seashells.
UV light permits you to see detailed structures in fossils that would be difficult to observe in normal daytime. This method has often been utilized on fossilized seashells from the Earths existing geological age to reveal color scheme that had long because disappeared. According to a new research study from the University of Göttingen, fluorescent color scheme might even be spotted in 240 million-year-old shells from the Earths Mesozoic Era. This makes them the earliest fluorescent color scheme found so far. This studys findings were released in the journal Palaeontology.
Colour pattern variations in the fossil scallop Pleuronectites. Credit: Klaus Wolkenstein
Traces of color patterns are extremely unusual in Mesozoic Era fossils. UV light evaluation of scallops from the Triassic era– ideal at the start of the Mesozoic Era– reveals that color patterns are maintained much more typically than previously believed.
Various fluorescent colors in the fossil scallop Pleuronectites. Credit: Klaus Wolkenstein
Nevertheless, the color scheme these dayss scallops do disappoint any fluorescence. “In the case of the Triassic shells, fluorescent substances were only formed in the course of fossilization through oxidation of the initial pigments,” discusses Dr. Klaus Wolkenstein from the Geosciences Centre at the University of Göttingen, who is currently performing research study at the University of Bonn. Surprisingly, the fossil shells reveal different fluorescent colors, depending upon the region where they were found.