New biomechanical modeling reveals complex relationships between animal diets and skull shapes, with ancestry playing a stronger role than previously thought. The study distinguishes between hypercarnivores and generalists based on specific biomechanical attributes.
A scientific review synthesizes decades of discoveries on the evolution of whales, dolphins, seals, and other species that adapted to aquatic environments. The study highlights how life in the ocean has responded to environmental change over time, informing an understanding of human impacts on marine species today.
A new species of terror bird, Llallawavis scagliai, has been discovered with exceptionally preserved fossils revealing details about its anatomy and sensory capabilities. The study provides insights into the evolution, behavior, and ecology of this group of fossil birds.
New zircon dating evidence challenges accepted theories on the rise of the Isthmus of Panama and its impact on global climate change. The closure of the Central American Seaway is now dated to 13-15 million years ago, contradicting previous estimates.
A newly discovered crocodilian ancestor, Carnufex carolinensis, filled one of North America's top predator roles before dinosaurs arrived on the continent. The 9-foot long land-dwelling crocodylomorph likely preyed upon smaller inhabitants like armored reptiles and early mammal relatives.
Researchers found that beetles have among the lowest family-level extinction rates due to their ability to adapt to changing environments. The study suggests that beetle diversity may be due to an historically low extinction rate rather than a high rate of new species emerging.
Researchers found that conifer species that independently evolved whirling, or autorotating, seeds settled on only one optimal single-winged design after millions of years of evolution. This design provides enhanced dispersal efficiency, especially during the Permian Period when seed dispersal by animals was virtually absent.
A unique combination of ecological, environmental, and behavioral factors led to the abundant production and preservation of Early Triassic swim tracks. Delayed ecologic recovery, depositional environments, and tetrapod swimming behavior contributed to their formation.
The discovery of a new turtle genus in Wyoming provides insight into how animals may respond to future climate change. Modern-day turtles may struggle to migrate northward due to habitat loss and human pressures, leading to some species' potential extinction.
A new study on echinoids shows that evolutionary rates were lowest at the group's onset and increased over time through bursts associated with changes in feeding strategies. This challenges traditional views of evolution, suggesting a more complex history for many clades.
A new species of Ichthyosaurus has been identified in a British marine reptile fossil, shedding light on the diversity of ichthyosaurs during the early Jurassic period. The discovery was made possible by advances in analysis and comparison with other groups of reptiles.
Recent studies of Mesozoic mammals in China reveal a diverse range of species, with many exhibiting mammalian characteristics. The findings provide insights into the evolution of the mammalian middle ear and the origin of mammals, with implications for our understanding of vertebrate biology.
A new species of long-necked dinosaur, Qijianglong, has been discovered in China with a remarkably lightweight neck and surprisingly stiff joints. The findings suggest that long-necked dinosaurs diversified uniquely in Asia during Jurassic times.
A new species of large reptile, Nundasuchus songeaensis, has been discovered with steak-like teeth and bony plates on its back. This carnivorous predator lived before dinosaurs took over the world, helping to fill gaps in the reptile family tree.
The Rosetta spacecraft's successful landing on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko marked a major breakthrough in comet analysis. The mission has provided valuable insights into the formation and evolution of comets, potentially shedding light on the delivery of water and organic molecules to early Earth.
This special issue of the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences presents new research on the systematics, biogeography, and palaeoecology of the Danek Bonebed, a rich source of Edmontosaurus specimens. The bonebed has produced over 800 catalogued specimens, contributing to our understanding of Late Cretaceous dinosaur communities.
A new fossil analysis reveals that Vintana sertich was a badger-sized, herbivorous animal with keen senses of smell and vision. The study sheds light on the diversity of Mesozoic mammals and their paleoecology.
Researchers have identified the first definite horned dinosaur species from the Early Cretaceous period in North America, known as Aquilops americanus. This discovery sheds light on the biogeography of neoceratopsian dinosaurs and suggests a late Early Cretaceous intercontinental migratory event between Asia and North America.
The four-part iBooks Textbook series explores climate change, its impacts on ecosystems, and strategies for adaptation. The books align with Next Generation Science Standards and Climate Literacy, offering a real-life experience for students to engage in discussion.
A team of researchers found that most fossil plant lineages from Patagonia are older than the dates predicted by molecular clocks. This study refutes a widely-held idea about how plants and animals arrived at their current distributions, suggesting that molecular clocks may be biased.
A new computer system developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has equaled or bested human scientists in extracting data from scientific publications and placing it in a database. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the quest to rapidly and precisely summarize, collate, and index vast amounts of scientific output.
A computer system developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has achieved equal performance to humans in extracting structured information from scientific publications. The system, PaleoDeepDive, was trained on a large dataset of paleontological studies and demonstrated its ability to extract relevant data with high accuracy.
Ankylosaurs had a unique nasal structure that allowed them to regulate their body temperature. The long, winding passageways would have warmed the inhaled air and cooled the blood before it reached the brain. This adaptation likely helped maintain the dinosaur's stable brain temperature.
A new study suggests that pterodactyls' inability to take off with wingspans over 12m led to their size limits. The research used computer modeling and found that even the largest pterosaur models could sustain flight using intermittent powered flight, but took-off proved too challenging.
A nearly complete 9,300-year-old frozen bison mummy was recently uncovered in Eastern Siberia. The Yukagir bison mummy has a preserved brain, heart, blood vessels, and digestive system, providing valuable insights into the biology of the species at the end of the Ice Age.
A 47 million-year-old horse fossil in Germany preserves the uterus and an unborn foal, revealing that early horses had a similar reproductive system to modern horses. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of equine reproduction.
A new study reveals that competition with ungulates, intensified by climate change, is the main reason for lagomorphs' limited diversity. Fossil records show that lagomorphs were capable of becoming larger than today, but were suppressed by the presence of competitors.
Researchers used 3D laser scanning to study the only known complete dodo skeleton, revealing new details on its behavior, size, and evolution. The study provides insights into how the flightless dodo may have evolved its giant size and locomotor mode.
New research reconstructs Archaeopteryx feather color as matte black with darker tip, shedding light on fossil preservation. Advanced imaging technologies provide definitive proof of melanosomes in fossil record.
The Catoca diamond mine in Angola revealed 118 million-year-old dinosaur and crocodile tracks, with the largest mammalian track attributed to a raccoon-sized animal. No fossil bones or teeth of such an animal have been found elsewhere in Africa or the world.
Researchers employed high-resolution X-ray CT scanning and digital visualization techniques to restore a complete skull of the 3-4m herbivorous dinosaur Erlikosaurus andrewsi. The team digitally dissected the skull, filling in breaks and cracks, duplicating missing elements, and reversing deformation, resulting in a life-like restoration.
Dinosaurs had highly developed color vision, including the ability to see ultraviolet light, which likely contributed to the evolution of feathers. This discovery sheds new light on the origin of feathers and their role in dinosaur communication and mating.
Researchers presented findings on North America's future fire threats and the role of humans in megafauna disappearance. Paleontological data is being used to inform studies of modern ecological processes and communities.
Researchers develop models to identify migratory patterns of species and find they do not stay put over millions of years. UC geologists also recreate ancient Ohio environments using mud cracks and deposits, providing insights into significant ecological change.
Paleontologists discover a tooth embedded in a rauisuchid's bone, showing phytosaurs targeted both aquatic and terrestrial prey. The find provides evidence for the interaction between these two top predators on land and sea, forcing a reevaluation of ancient ecosystems.
A new hadrosaur species, Rhinorex condrupus, with a unique nasal profile has been discovered in Utah. The species lived approximately 75 million years ago and is believed to have weighed over 8,500 lbs., helping fill gaps about habitat segregation during the Late Cretaceous period.
The discovery of three new extinct squirrel-like species confirms that mammals originated at least 208 million years ago in the late Triassic period. The findings support earlier research suggesting a common ancestor for mammals existed during this time, and provide new insights into ancient mammalian evolution.
A new fossil dolphin species from the Miocene era has been discovered in Peru, shedding light on the history and relationships of river dolphins. The species, Huaridelphis raimondii, is part of a rare extinct family, squalodelphinids, which are related to endangered Ganges and Indus river dolphins.
Scientists have identified a new species of titanosaurian dinosaur, Rukwatitan bisepultus, in Tanzania, with unique features that set it apart from other finds. The discovery contributes to understanding the evolution of species in sub-Saharan Africa and the global portrait of titanosaurians.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have made a groundbreaking discovery in northeastern China, uncovering a possible dinosaur nest with 24 young Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis and one older individual. The fossilized group suggests post-hatchling cooperation among dinosaurs, where a 'babysitter' cared for its younger siblings.
A team led by University of Oregon geologist Gregory Retallack analyzed Curiosity rover images and data to discover Earth-like soil profiles with cracked surfaces lined with sulfate. This finding suggests that Mars may have had a more habitable climate in the past, increasing the possibility of microbial life.
Researchers from Yale University analyzed the eye structure of an extinct sea scorpion, finding that it had a basic visual acuity level but worsened with size. The study suggests the creature was not a top predator but may have been a scavenger hunting at night.
A new study reveals ancient hedgehog and tapir fossils from Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park in British Columbia, which lived around 52 million years ago. The discovery fills a significant gap in the geographic distribution of mammals during this period.
Researchers used exceptionally preserved fossils and computer graphics to recreate the most likely walking gait of a 410-million-year-old arachnid. The study, published in the Journal of Paleontology, provides new insights into the evolution of early land animals.
A 100,000-year-old archaic early human skull found in Northern China reveals a surprising presence of an inner-ear formation long thought to occur only in Neandertals. This discovery challenges current scenarios of later Pleistocene human population dispersals and interconnections.
Researchers analyzed the plumage of a newly discovered Archaeopteryx specimen, revealing previously unknown features of its feathers. The findings suggest that feathers evolved for functions other than flight, such as insulation and display, before being co-opted for aerial abilities.
Researchers analyze fossil assemblages from Ohio buhrstone to determine its provenance, revealing characteristics that distinguish it from French buhrstone. The study sheds light on the use of non-destructive techniques in studying ancient artifacts, with potential applications for understanding the origins of other tools.
Researchers have identified skulls with a mix of Neandertal and primitive traits, providing new insights into human evolution. The findings support the accretion model hypothesis, suggesting that Neandertals developed their defining features in stages, not all at once.
Researchers have found the first three-dimensionally preserved pterosaur eggs in China, providing new insights into the flying reptiles' reproductive strategy, development, and social behavior. The discovery suggests that pterosaurs lived together in gregarious colonies, with males and females having distinct head crest features.
Fossil analysis confirms that historic Ohio millstones originated from France, contrary to local assumptions. The study identified distinctive fossils, such as charophytes and snails, unique to the Paris Basin region in France.
Researchers have discovered a single-ovary reproductive system in the basal bird Jeholornis and derived enantiornithine birds from China, indicating that this adaptation occurred gradually during the evolution of dinosaurs and basal birds. This finding supports the hypothesis that birds lost one ovary due to energetic pressures of flight.
Research at the University of Granada shows that fossils can be used to study cyclical paleoenvironmental changes with varying time scales. The study characterizes irregular cycles lasting from less than a day to over a million years, revealing patterns in extinction events and ecological responses.
Nizar Ibrahim, a University of Chicago paleontologist, has been selected to National Geographic's Emerging Explorers program. He receives a $10,000 award to aid further research and exploration in the deserts of North Africa, where he discovers fossil footprints and a new species of flying reptile.
Researchers discovered a new fossil organism, Plexus ricei, resembling a tapeworm or modern flatworm, with bilateral symmetry unlike any other Precambrian fossils. The discovery sheds light on the earliest origins of bilaterian animals and their evolutionary history.
A Case Western Reserve University student and his mentor have discovered an ancient kitten-sized predator that lived in Bolivia about 13 million years ago. The animal would have been about the size of a marten and probably filled the same ecological niche as larger sparassodonts.
A new study re-describes the oldest species of dolphin, Eodelphis kabatensis, shedding light on their origins and evolution. The discovery resolves a discrepancy between fossil records and molecular-based studies, providing crucial insights into the evolutionary history of dolphins.
The University of Michigan has launched a new online repository of fossils, featuring high-definition 3-D models of prehistoric creatures. The digital showcase allows users to manipulate and examine the fossils in detail, providing a valuable resource for researchers and sparking interest in young scientists.
A graduate student at UC Berkeley is using a new technique to recreate the appearance of ancient plants, shedding light on their evolution. The study, led by Jeff Benca, uses fossil fragments to create lifelike images of extinct plant species, including Leclercqia scolopendra, a centipede clubmoss from the Devonian Period.
Researchers found that red panda skulls are better at distributing mechanical stress during chewing, while giant panda skulls can withstand greater forces. These differences reflect distinct bamboo feeding preferences, with the giant panda eating harder and larger pieces of bamboo.
Scientists discover unusual bird-like dinosaur with feathers on arms and tail, and a toothless beak. The new species, Anzu wyliei, lived 68-66 million years ago and provides the first detailed picture of North American oviraptorosaurs.