A fossil skeleton of a dinosaur called Sinosauropteryx, preserved in volcanic ash, was discovered in Liaoning, China, in 1996. Interestingly, the fossil included a pattern of fine lines surrounding the skeletal bones. Some paleontologists interpret the li

The reading claims that the Sinosauropleryx was not a feathered dinosaur and provides three reasons of support. However, the professor explains that the evidence is very strong to prove this animal was actually feathered and the points made in the article are unconvincing. So, she refutes each of author's reasons.

First, the article posits that the lines found on the fossils of this creature were formed after its death. The lecturer contends that this is not certainly an evidence of decomposition. She explains that decomposition of skin of other animals were not observed in the same area and they were well-preserved. Thus, we can conclude that the functional skin of this dinosaur were also preserved perfectly.

Second, the reading avers that the fine lines cannot indicate the specific body part of this dinosaur. The professor opposes this point by saying that frills have different chemical structures than feathers. She adds that feathers are made of a protein called "beta-keratin". The fossil samples demonstrated a large amount of beta-keratin which is a very strong evidence.

Third, the reading asserts that the lines were found around tails and backbones which do not seem functional. The professor refutes this point by explaining that flying and controlling internal temperature are not the most important functions. She states that some birds such as peakocks have colorful feathers all around their tail to display and attract mates. The lecturer defines this ability as "display function". She mentions that display function is a very important function. Also, the evidence proves that the feathers were orange and white which clearly illustrate the function of this dinosaur's feathers for display function.