Paleohistology

In 1850, Mantell provided the first clear description of dinosaur bone microstructure, including thin sections from a "dorsal dermal spine" of Hylaerosaurus and a humerus of Pelorosaurus.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Armand de Ricqlès made significant strides in paleohistology by correlating histological features with growth rates and thermal physiology in extinct organisms.

Ongoing research continues to uncover new insights into the biology and evolution of extinct organisms, leveraging advancements in imaging technology and analytical techniques.

Histological staining techniques allow researchers to visualize different tissue types, such as bone, cartilage, and teeth, while microscopy enables detailed examination of cellular structures.

By reconstructing past environments and ecosystems, paleohistology helps scientists understand the long-term effects of climate change, mass extinctions, and other evolutionary processes.