The Normalcy of Gingers: A Million-Year Legacy in Other Species
Scientists from University College Cork have discovered fragments of ginger pigment molecules in fossilized frogs dating back 10 million years, providing evidence that the genetic mutation for ginger coloration has been around for a long time. The findings will help scientists reconstruct the original colors of extinct organisms and gain insights into the evolution of colors in animals. The research involved lab experiments on feathers to track the degradation of pheomelanin pigments during fossilization. The discovery opens up possibilities for exploring the biochemical evolution of animals using the fossil record.
