To infer the color of extinct animals, scientists analyze what structure in fossils?

• A. Fossilized muscle fiber patterns.
• B. Melanosomes in fossilized feathers.
• C. Bone calcium isotopes.
• D. Skin scales.

Answer: (B)

Melanin pigments preserved as melanosomes in fossilized feathers let scientists infer the color of extinct animals. Melanosomes are pigment-containing structures whose shape and type correspond to different colors, and in fossils they can survive long after other tissues decay. By examining these microstructures with specialized imaging, researchers can deduce not only overall color but feather patterns on ancient species. This method is especially reliable when feathers are preserved, because the melanosomes that sit inside them carry the color information. Other fossil features, like muscle patterns, bone isotopes, or skin scales, don’t provide direct evidence of color.