Sinsauropteryx Thesis

The reading states that critics have opposed the idea that Sinosauropteryx was a feathered dinosaur and provides three reasons of support. However, the professor states that the evidence about Sinosauropteryx had feathers is very strong and the critics are unconvincing and refutes each of them. First, the reading states that the fine lines were formed after the animal's death and do not represent functional structures of dinosaur. The professor opposes this point by saying that this point is not likely to be true. The professor adds that there was no decomposition of fossils of other animals that buried in the same site. So, all the fossils had well preserved beautiful skin. The professor points out that that supports that the fine lines were feathers, not fibers formed from decomposition of the fossil.

The professor counters this point by saying that there is an important difference between feathers and frills. The professor points out that feathers have B-caroten, while frills don't. The professor explains that a chemical analysis showed that Sinosauopteryx fossils contained B-caroten that means that Sinosauropteryx had feathers. Third, the reading states that feathers were quite useless for flight and thermoregulation for Sinosauropteryx. The professor refutes this point by saying that feathers might have other functions than flight. The professor gives and example of B-cock, which has a colorful feathered tail, that is used to display to attract mate. The professor explains that analysis showed that Sinosauropteryx had a colorful orange white feathers, which supports the display function of the