Ancient Dinosaur Collagen Discovery Shakes Up Evolutionary Understanding

**Dinosaur Fossil Yields Ancient Collagen, Rewriting Fossilization Understanding** A recent study published in *Analytical Chemistry* has unearthed a surprising discovery: collagen, a key protein, has been found in a well-preserved 22-kilogram Edmontosaurus sacrum fossil. This discovery, highlighted in a TikTok video by science teacher Zeke Darwin, challenges the long-held assumption that all organic material is destroyed during fossilization. The fossil, excavated from the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota, is notable for representing one of the last dinosaurs before the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. Professor Steve Taylor, chair of the Mass Spectrometry Research Group at the University of Liverpool, stated, "This research shows beyond doubt that organic biomolecules, such as proteins like collagen, appear to be present in some fossils." This discovery has far-reaching implications, refuting the hypothesis that all organic materials are lost during fossilization. The study's findings are significant because they offer a new avenue for understanding dinosaur evolution and phylogeny. By analyzing the preserved proteins, scientists can potentially construct more accurate family trees for these ancient animals. The video also notes the exciting possibilities for further research, though it clarifies that this discovery does not currently enable dinosaur cloning. The research team also suggests that this method could be used to quickly analyze museum fossils and determine which ones might contain similar proteins. This unexpected discovery opens up new avenues for research into dinosaur biology and evolution, offering exciting possibilities for future discoveries and a deeper understanding of these ancient creatures.