A pig-sized, tusked creature discovered in Eritrea represents a missing link between ancient elephants and their modern counterparts. The finding suggests that mastodons and elephants originated in Africa, contradicting previous theories that placed their origins in Europe and Asia.
Scientists have proposed a new theory that combines deadly sudden catastrophes (pulses) with longer, steadier pressures on species (presses) to explain Earth's mass extinctions. The Press/Pulse theory suggests that these combined events are necessary for big extinctions to occur.
A CU-Boulder research team has discovered over 200 suspected parasite burrows in a well-preserved duck-billed dinosaur, indicating the presence of tiny worms similar to annelids and nematodes. The findings provide evidence for interactions between dinosaurs and invertebrates.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have named an ancient mammal found in Alberta, Canada, which lived about 60 million years ago. The creature, Horolodectes sunae, had powerful jaws and a unique tooth shape that resembles those of primitive relatives of ungulates, but was likely carnivorous.
Researchers found cells about to divide and kidney-shaped structures within ancient embryos, suggesting sophisticated mechanisms for differential cell division timing and embryonic cell lineage differentiation. The discovery challenges previous claims about the evolutionary relationships of these early animals.
A revised dinosaur census by University of Pennsylvania scientist Peter Dodson estimates that 71% of discoverable genera are still awaiting discovery. The researchers predict that new discoveries will decline sharply in the early 22nd century, but a child born today can expect a fruitful career in dinosaur paleontology.
A new species of hoofed mammal, Hemihegetotherium trilobus, has been discovered in Bolivia with distinctive three-lobed lower molar teeth. The animal is believed to have lived around 13 million years ago and was part of the notoungulate group, which dominated South America before its extinction.
The Geological Society of America Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the society's thriving publications program. Three 2006 awardees - Dr. Abhijit Basu, David E. Fastovsky, and Roger L. Kaesler - have expanded the program through their leadership and service.
Fossil specimens of a near-modern bird, Gansus yumenensis, found in northwestern China, indicate that early birds likely evolved in an aquatic environment. The findings suggest that these early modern birds were similar to ducks or loons, with webbed feet and bony knees.
Researchers found that ancient whales' hind limbs regressed over millions of years via small genetic changes, not a single dramatic event. This discovery highlights the complex process of evolution and developmental biology.
Researchers discovered that males of the extinct species Thyrohyrax had oversized, swollen lower jaws shaped like a banana, which may have been used to produce sound. The discovery suggests that Thyrohyrax and its fossil relatives were the only mammals to use this skeletal structure for sound production.
Paleontologist Josh Smith rediscovered two photographs of the holotype of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, providing new insight into the dinosaur's skeleton. The images were found in the Palaontologische archives of the Museum in Germany and allow for direct comparison with Stromer's 1915 illustrations.
The newly discovered Triceratops skull provides valuable insights into the dinosaur's growth patterns, suggesting that its horns and frill had a purpose beyond sexual display. The fossil, estimated to be around three years old, shows significant changes in the development of its frill and horn shape from juvenile to adult stages.
The American Geosciences Institute announced the winners of its Earth Science Week 2005 contests. James Pugh won the Visual Art Contest with his drawing 'Volcanologists: It's a Hot Job,' while Robert Kendle took home the Essay Contest prize for his essay on paleontology and geoscientist aspirations.
The discovery of Dallasaurus, a three-foot long lizard that lived 92 million years ago, fills a gap in the understanding of mosasaur evolution and reveals that they transitioned from land to sea. The fossil find provides significant insights into the biology and natural history of mosasaurs, which were top predators in their ecosystem.
A recent restudy and reconstruction of a Mongolian sauropod skull adds to evidence for sauropod diversity at the end of the dinosaur era. The discovery highlights the existence of titanosaurs, a late surviving sauropod lineage that flourished during this period.
Researchers at Yale University have found that varying oxygen concentrations in alligator eggs alter growth patterns and affect bone development, suggesting a link to fossil records of prehistoric atmospheric oxygen levels. The study provides new insights into the complex interaction between vertebrate development and oxygen levels.
A team of scientists from Virginia Tech and Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology have discovered uniquely preserved fossils from the Ediacaran Period, dated to 550 million years ago. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of complex life forms during this period.
The discovery of Revueltosaurus, a crocodile ancestor, upends the traditional understanding of dinosaur evolution. The fossil finds suggest that herbivorous ornithischians and meat-eating theropods did not co-evolve in the Late Triassic as previously thought.
Researchers have found evidence of a venom delivery apparatus in an extinct mammal, Bisonalveus browni, dating back 60 million years. The discovery suggests that mammals have evolved more flexible venom systems than previously thought.
A study of fossilized brachiopod shells reveals that predators were a constant threat throughout the Paleozoic Era, with subtle increases in predation traces suggesting escalating predation pressures. The findings suggest that marine ecosystems have become increasingly hostile to survival, consistent with macroevolutionary models.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a link between dinosaurs and living birds by finding medullary bone in a T. rex fossil, indicating the dinosaur was female and likely producing eggs. The presence of this tissue provides an objective means of sexing dinosaurs.
A team of paleontologists analyzed stegosaur plates to rule out thermoregulation as a function. Instead, they suggest that the plates may have been used for species recognition, similar to African antelopes. The analysis also found that scutes on other dinosaur ancestors had similar internal structures, supporting this theory.
Researchers have discovered two new species of giant amphibians in Africa, which are similar to crocodiles in shape. The findings suggest that climate change over 250 million years ago had a dramatic effect on species survival and evolution.
Dr. Mary Schweitzer isolated intact soft tissue from a 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex femur, showing blood vessels and cell-like structures. The discovery, published in Science, suggests that dinosaur fossils may retain some of their original flexibility and resilience.
Paleontologists discovered a prehistoric jawbone that suggests the transformation of bones from the jaw into middle ear bones occurred at least twice in living mammal lines. The evidence supports independent origins of this adaptation in monotremes and placentals, contradicting previous doubts.
A team of Hamilton College undergraduates, led by Dr. Domack, embarked on a three-year expedition to study the paleohistory of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The research aims to understand the response of the Antarctic Peninsula to modern warming and its impact on the environment.
A new fossil discovery in Spain reveals a 13-million-year-old ape species, Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, that shares key features with modern great apes. The species' unique adaptations for climbing and its relatively complete skeleton suggest it may have been the last common ancestor of all great apes.
A study on bats revealed a key region of growth plate that allowed digits to grow longer, suggesting rapid evolution. Genetic studies show that bats are closest to ferungulates, not primates or shrews.
Scientists at Ohio State University discovered ancient fossils of arthropods composed of tiny bacteria fossils, providing evidence of exceptional preservation. The bacteria self-fossilized, replicating the body of the animal and preserving its shape and texture.
Paleontology graduate student Jacqueline M. Kozisek's research challenges the nuclear winter theory by citing the survival of tropical honeybees. Modern tropical honeybees require temperatures between 88-93°F to survive, which is unlikely given predicted post-impact temperature drops of 13-22°F.
Norman D. Newell, a renowned geologist and paleontologist, will receive the Legendary Geoscientist Award for his groundbreaking research on fossil bivalve mollusks and modern carbonate sediments. He is also recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of evolution and science education.
Researchers studied Tanytrachelos ahynis fossils from the late Triassic Cow Branch Formation, finding no significant differences in size or morphology between populations of the same species. The team analyzed over 90 specimens and discovered that environmental factors rather than intrinsic differences may be responsible for preservati...
Researchers studied fossil whales and found significant changes in their ear anatomy, which enabled them to transition from a land-based to a marine-based existence. The new sound transmission system allowed modern cetaceans to locate prey using echolocation, making it crucial for survival.
A team of geologists has discovered evidence of at least three Cryogenian glaciations, with ages estimated to be around 663 million years ago. The new findings confirm a previously hypothesized 'snowball Earth' scenario and suggest significant climate changes may have led to extinctions.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers is assessing the reliability of measuring photos of fossils to compile body size data. They found that while the method has some bias, it can still be useful in answering important questions about the history of life.
Researchers used quantitative data to analyze the evolution of acritarchs, a group of ancient microfossils. They found that complexity increased over time but leveled off, with post-Ediacaran acritarchs reaching high levels of morphological complexity but not large sizes.
The new 'Understanding Evolution' Web site offers a one-stop-shop for science teachers, providing practical examples and strategies for teaching evolution. The site features Evolution 101, a primer on evolutionary theory, as well as discussions on the nature of science and the history of evolutionary thought.
Researchers have discovered a new family of Atlantic corals using DNA analysis, revealing that about one-third of Atlantic corals are closely related but distinct from Pacific corals. This finding requires reevaluation of conservation priorities for threatened coral species in the Atlantic Ocean.
Research integrating genetics and paleontology aims to resolve human evolution debates by combining fossil records with genetic data. A recent study on baboon teeth shows that enamel thickness can vary widely within a population, challenging long-held assumptions.
New evidence from south China suggests a massive methane release occurred about 600 million years ago, thawing the Earth's climate. Methane hydrates are believed to be the source of this release, which would have had a profound impact on global climate if it were to happen again.
A study of ancient vole fossils has provided a unique view on the evolution and adaptation of species to climate change. The findings suggest that small mammals can adapt to routine climate change, but significant evolutionary changes are only triggered by extraordinary events.
The giant rodent, Phoberomys pattersoni, weighed about 1,545 pounds and was a semi-aquatic species that foraged along riverbanks. It is believed to have gone extinct due to its slow speed, which made it vulnerable to predators.
The UCLA Center for Astrobiology will focus on four themes: extrasolar planetary systems, habitability of planets and their satellites, Earth's early environment and life, and evolution of biological complexity. The center aims to detect planets beyond our solar system using new methods and study the factors that control habitability.
Researchers found over 100 distinct fossil leaf species, including dicots, monocots, and conifers, at the Laguna del Hunco site. The discovery reveals that high neotropical diversity existed as far back as 52-53 million years ago.
A team of geologists has discovered a crab fossil within inches of a massive plant-eating dinosaur fossil in Egypt. The find, dating back to the Cretaceous Period, sheds light on the ecosystem where these species coexisted, revealing a diverse array of organisms including fish, sharks, and turtles.
Kirk Johnson's latest discovery of the rainforest in Denver provides answers to key questions about ancient landscaping and will aid scientists in predicting groundwater availability. The rainforest, one of the oldest-known on earth, is now on display at the DMNS, accompanied by a Web site and book.
Researchers have analyzed fossil records of plants and insects to understand how the Earth's climate has changed over time. The study reveals that the K-T boundary, which marked the extinction of dinosaurs, was caused by an extraterrestrial impact, while the P-E interval saw a more gradual change due to global warming.
Researchers have resolved terrestrial paleoclimate records near the K-T boundary, correlating with marine data. Climate changes occurred globally, with warming events occurring 66 million years ago, and cooling trends preceding the K-T collision.
A preliminary study of the Paleobiology Database reveals that fragile fossils occur as frequently as durable ones, contradicting the expectation that tough skeletons would be more common. This finding suggests that the fossil record may be a more reliable source of information than previously thought.
The 'What's That Stuff?' column in Chemical & Engineering News is one of five top sites recognized by Scientific American for informative and engaging chemistry content. The column has been widely shared among scientists, students, educators, and industry professionals, who appreciate its ability to make everyday materials fascinating.
A 125-million-year-old fossilized plant has provided clues about the evolution of modern flowering plants, which are the dominant vegetation on Earth. The discovery, made in northeast China, shows that flowering plants may have originated underwater before transitioning to land.
A new million-year-old skull found in Ethiopia contradicts recent suggestions of a split in the homolineage between Eurasiatic and African populations. The team's detailed analysis shows genetic continuity between populations, indicating movement and mobility between them, consistent with a single species Homo erectus.
A new theory suggests that an ancient supernova explosion may have devastated the Earth's ocean ecosystem, causing widespread extinction of plankton and marine organisms. The discovery was made by linking data from paleontology, geology, and astronomy fields.
A North Carolina State University graduate student has discovered a nearly hatched dinosaur embryo in a well-preserved dinosaur egg unearthed over 30 years ago in Alabama. The discovery, made by James Lamb, is the first of its kind in the eastern United States and provides new insights into dinosaurs' diets and climate.
New fossils found in Pakistan have revealed a close kinship between whales and hippos, with the discovery of artiodactyl ankles suggesting that hippos may be a side line of artiodactyls. The findings, published in Science, use immunological, molecular, and genetic techniques to explore relationships among groups of animals.
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of early bird, Apsaravis ukhaana, in Mongolia, which sheds light on the evolution of modern birds. The fossil, dated to 80 million years ago, reveals that early modern birds were not restricted to near-shore environments and were instead small terrestrial flyers.
A nearly complete bird fossil found in Mongolia provides insight into the origin of living birds and the evolution of flight. The Apsaravis ukhaana specimen is from a part of the evolutionary tree close to the origin of all living birds, shedding new light on their evolution.
A 290-million-year-old, upright-lizard-like reptile has been found, predating the age of dinosaurs by at least 60 million years. The discovery provides strong evidence for the early evolution of herbivorous reptiles on land, suggesting that bipedalism evolved independently in different animal groups.
Scientists have found fossils of an ancient, feathered animal that lived 220 million years ago, which may be the ancestor of birds. The discovery challenges widely accepted theories about the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds.