Check out this 99-million year old dino feather

We think of new dinosaur discoveries coming out of the fossil record. But a Chinese and Canadian researcher have found a 99 million year old intact dinosaur tail feather preserved in amber. 

What's even more remarkable is where it was found: at an amber market in Myanmar.  It could've easily been sold as jewellry but paleontologist Dr. Lida Xing recognized it as having greater importance. 

CBC Links:

• Regina museum helps with major dinosaur discovery research
• 'Incredibly rare': Dinosaur blood, feathers found in ancient amber
• Amazing fossils found by ordinary people thrill scientists

He brought the dried-apricot sized piece of amber to Dr. Ryan McKellar at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum where the team was able to analyze it in detail.  

As Dr. McKellar says, this dinosaur tail feather find opens the door to a better understanding of feather evolution. 

Additional Links:

• Current Biology: A Feathered Dinosaur Tail with Primitive Plumage Trapped in Mid-Cretaceous Amber
• Royal Saskatchewan Museum