Early Mammals Had Uniform Dark Coats, Study Finds

New research reveals that the earliest mammals likely had drab, monochrome fur to aid nocturnal survival during the Age of Dinosaurs.

Scientists used advanced imaging and melanosome analysis to determine that early mammals had dark brown or gray fur coats.
The study examined six well-preserved fossils from 120 to 167 million years ago, representing a variety of early mammal species and ecological roles.
The uniform coloration likely provided camouflage from predators and aided thermoregulation in their nocturnal habitats.
Modern mammals exhibit far greater diversity in fur color and patterns, which likely evolved after the extinction of nonavian dinosaurs.
Researchers acknowledge the study's limitations, including a small sample size, and plan further investigations into the evolution of mammalian fur coloration.