In a world with humanized (or at least tool using) reptiles, how long would a tattoo be able to last on the scales? Would the tools need to be much different than what we use today?
Would it be possible for a reptile to get a tattoo of a human?
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How would tattoos fare on reptilian scales?
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asked Dec 1 '14 at 2:59
Linkyu
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2 Answers
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The way I would approach this is to modify the cells that produce scales - and have any design as a series of scale shaped pixels.
This would mean that the effect would be permanent, as each new scale grown to replace a shed one would retain the colour, unlike simply painting the sales.
answered Dec 1 '14 at 11:36
Rory Alsop
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If they are suitably advanced they could get tiny bio-luminescent particles embedded in each scale, and use their external surfaces to display patterns and pictures at will.
answered Dec 1 '14 at 14:07
RedSonja
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How would tattoos fare on reptilian scales?
up vote
14
down vote
In a world with humanized (or at least tool using) reptiles, how long would a tattoo be able to last on the scales? Would the tools need to be much different than what we use today?
Would it be possible for a reptile to get a tattoo of a human?
asked Dec 1 '14 at 2:59
Linkyu
85210 silver badges18 bronze badges
85210 silver badges18 bronze badges
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9
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The way I would approach this is to modify the cells that produce scales - and have any design as a series of scale shaped pixels.
This would mean that the effect would be permanent, as each new scale grown to replace a shed one would retain the colour, unlike simply painting the sales.
answered Dec 1 '14 at 11:36
Rory Alsop
1,40212 silver badges21 bronze badges
1,40212 silver badges21 bronze badges
I really doubt that the scale cells reproduce in any manner that conserves locality, much less a 1-to-1 (or an orderly 1-to-100) mapping between the source cells and the cells of the new scale - the generic process is that a small pile of source cells multiply into a larger homogenous pile of target cells that then diversifies forming the intended tissue. If you can engineer genes that allow a bunch homogenous cells to grow into a tissue with the design you want, then that works; if not, then not. - Peteris Dec 2 '14 at 1:58
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