Evidence shows dinosaurs also appreciated fine fragrances

By Becky Bargh | Published: 8-Aug-2018

The study by an entomologist at Oregon State University found that floral scents were admired as far back as 100 million years ago

New evidence has found flower-based scents in modern day perfumes and colognes were appreciated even in pre-historic times.

Oregon State University entomologist George Poinar and son Greg, a fragrance collector, discovered floral scents in primitive flowers date back as far as 100 million years ago.

“I bet some of the dinosaurs could have detected the scents of these early flowers,” said Poinar.

“In fact, floral essences from these early flowers could even have attracted these giant reptiles.”

The research examined amber flowers from Burma, including the glandular laurel flower, veined star flower, milkweed flower and acacia flower; as all were found to provide olfactory stimulation in animals since the mid-Cretaceous period.

According to Poinar, the flowers lacked colourful petals 100 million years ago and would have had to rely solely on scent to attract pollinators.

“It’s obvious flowers were producing scents to make themselves more attractive to pollinators long before humans began using perfumes to make themselves more appealing to other humans,” said Poinar.

He added: “You can’t detect scents or analyse the chemical components of fossil flowers, but you can find the tissues responsible for the scents.”

It also found secretory tissues of these prehistoric flowers, are similar to their modern-day descendants.

This suggests the scents used in today’s fragrances are the similar to ones experienced by pre-historic creatures.

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