Scientists confirm scenario that dinosaurs died due to global cooling after asteroid impact, with rocks recording wildfires and sulfur absence within 24 hours. The research provides the most detailed look yet into the aftermath of the catastrophe.
Researchers found a significant increase in oxygen levels in ancient rocks, possibly setting the stage for dinosaur expansion into tropical regions. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary diversification of dinosaurs during a critical period.
A new species of primitive hadrosaurid, Aquilarhinus palimentus, has been identified from a complete skull found in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of duck-billed dinosaur snouts and suggests that there may have been multiple lineages before the main radiation of hadrosaurids.
Auroraceratops rugosus is an early horned dinosaur with a complete skeleton, providing insight into bipedalism in ceratopsians. The fossil, from over 80 individuals, shows a small body size and lacks 'true' horns compared to Triceratops.
A new study reveals that lichens, organisms made of fungi and algae, seized the opportunity to evolve and diversify rapidly after the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. The research found that some lichens grew sophisticated structures similar to plant leaves, filling the niches left vacant by extinct plants.
A new study reveals that Antarctic marine life took over 320,000 years to recover after the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. It wasn't until up to one million years later that the number of species on the sea floor returned to pre-extinction levels.
A new method converts evolutionary relationships into geographical relationships to make higher-resolution maps of ancient species' distributions. The analysis verified the division of nonavian dinosaurs into Northern and Southern Hemisphere groups, with some species moving between Europe and Africa during the Early Cretaceous period.
Researchers discovered that bedbugs have been parasitic companions with other species aside from humans for more than 100 million years. The team found that bedbugs are 50 million years older than bats and were already specialized on a single host type, even though the host was unknown at the time of T. rex.
A multidisciplinary study reveals that most ornithopod dinosaurs were young individuals with similar internal structures to unfossilized bones, while ankylosaurs showed various traces associated with specific groups. The research also found evidence of rapid burial, microbial activity, and a wetland ecosystem supporting a diverse fauna.
A new, smaller relative of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex has been discovered by Virginia Tech paleontologist Sterling Nesbitt. The newly named Suskityrannus hazelae stood 3 feet tall and weighed between 45-90 pounds, with a diet likely consisting of small animals. The fossil dates back 92 million years to the Cretaceous Period.
A new study analyzed fossil mammal communities and found that the rise of flowering plants, evolved teeth, and dinosaur extinction drove changes in mammalian diversity. Ecological richness was primarily driven by vegetation type, with modern mammals focusing on plant-based diets.
Scientists studied planktic foraminifera fossil record, finding that global recovery took around ten million years after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. The study suggests that it will take an extremely long time, likely millions of years, to recover from current climate crisis.
Researchers found alligators build neural maps of sound like birds do, indicating a common ancestor with dinosaurs shared this hearing strategy. The study suggests that the strategy may be more related to common ancestry than physical features such as skull size.
Researchers found a wide variety of different forelimb shapes evolved within the therapsids 270 million years ago. This discovery helps explain how mammals evolved traits that have made us what we are today, from simple tasks like holding a phone to more complex behaviors.
A new, wallaby-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Galleonosaurus dorisae has been identified from five fossilized upper jaws found in 125 million-year-old rocks in southeastern Australia. The discovery confirms that the diversity of small-bodied dinosaurs was unusually high in the ancient rift valley.
Scientists model dinosaur species distribution in North America to show they were adaptable and not declining before the meteorite, contrary to previous theories. The study finds a range of habitats could support dinosaur groups at the end of the Cretaceous, but these areas are less likely to preserve fossils.
A team of palaeontologists has found an abundant collection of plesiosaur fossils in Morella, Castellón, Spain, dating back to the Lower Cretaceous period. The discovery includes a previously unknown species, Leptocleidus, which was believed to inhabit only England, Australia, and South Africa.
Researchers precisely dated Deccan Traps volcanic eruptions, finding four pulses that released toxic gases into the atmosphere. The findings suggest a possible link between volcanic activity and dinosaur extinction, but the exact cause remains uncertain.
A newly discovered tyrannosaur, Moros intrepidus, has narrowed a 70-million-year gap in the North American fossil record. The species, which lived about 96 million years ago, was small but exceptionally fast and had advanced sensory capabilities.
Researchers analyzed stable isotopes in Louisiana roadkill to understand ancient wetland ecosystems. They found that the method was effective but not always precise, as modern animals have diverse diets that don't segregate neatly into boxes.
Paleontologists discovered a new species of marsupial, Unnuakomys hutchisoni, which lived during the Late Cretaceous Period about 69 million years ago. The tiny creature, weighing less than an ounce, adapted to survive four months of winter darkness in the Arctic Circle.
A newly discovered species of marsupial, Unnuakomys hutchisoni, lived in Alaska's Arctic during the late Cretaceous Period, adding to the diversity of ancient life. The tiny animal, about thumb-sized, survived on insects and plants, and was found among a unique variety of dinosaurs and other animals.
A new oviraptorosaur species, Gobiraptor minutus, was discovered in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia. The specimen features unusual thickened jaws and histological analyses indicate that it likely belonged to a young individual.
Scientists have discovered an iguana-sized reptile, named Antarctanax shackletoni, with unique adaptations to the extreme Antarctic environment. The ancient creature, a carnivore that hunted early mammals and amphibians, provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification after mass extinction events.
Researchers uncover fossilized remains of Antarctanax shackletoni, an iguana-sized reptile with unique adaptations for hunting and survival. The discovery provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification following a mass extinction event.
Researchers analyzed dinosaur footprints in Morocco to understand how long-necked dinosaurs moved forward. The results showed that the animals could switch between orienting their forefeet forward or sideways as needed, with smaller individuals able to rotate them more easily.
A new study reveals that Anchiornis, one of the earliest known feathered dinosaurs, had feathers with thicker alpha-keratins instead of beta-keratins, lacking necessary biomechanical properties for flight. However, its molecular composition may signify an intermediate stage in the evolution of avian flight feathers.
A newly discovered species of freshwater shark, Galagadon nordquistae, has been found with tiny 'spaceship-shaped' teeth, adding to the fossil record of this family in the Cretaceous. The discovery provides new insights into ancient aquatic ecosystems and sheds light on the diversity of sharks and rays during that period.
A study found that four mammalian lineages coexisted with the dinosaurs and survived the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Some species were more resilient than others, while others diversified rapidly in response to new environmental conditions.
Researchers used 3D modeling to simulate heat exchange in dinosaurs and discovered they had an intricate cooling system in their snouts. The study suggests that the length of their noses played a crucial role in warming and cooling respired air, keeping their brains cool.
A new genus and species of ceratosaurian, Saltriovenator zanellai, has been discovered in the Lower Jurassic of Italy, dating back over 25 million years. The specimen is the world's largest predatory dinosaur and features a unique combination of ancestral and advanced anatomical features.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that pterosaurs had at least four types of feathers, including simple filaments and down feathers, which are also found in modern birds and dinosaur groups. The discovery pushes back the origin of feathers by approximately 70 million years.
Researchers discovered four kinds of pterosaur feathers, similar to those found in birds and dinosaurs. These findings push the origin of feathers back to 250 million years ago, revealing a key moment in life's evolution.
A team of scientists has found medullary bone in a Cretaceous bird fossil, providing the first occurrence of this tissue outside of modern birds. The discovery links birds and dinosaurs, challenging previous assumptions about their relationship.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a new species of gigantic dicynodont, Lisowicia bojani, in Poland. The species is estimated to be around 4.5 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and weigh 9 tons, making it the largest non-dinosaurian terrestrial tetrapod from the Triassic period.
A study on Changchunsaurus parvus reveals unique features in its teeth, including wavy enamel and a method of tooth replacement that allowed for continuous shearing surface formation. These findings suggest early adaptations for herbivory in this small herbivorous dinosaur.
New research reveals that ligaments hold teeth in place, contradicting previous assumptions. Early dinosaurs like Changchunsaurus parvus had unique tooth replacement methods and wavy enamel.
Researchers at Yale University discovered that birds inherited their egg color from non-avian dinosaur ancestors that laid eggs in fully or partially open nests. The findings suggest that egg colors evolved to camouflage eggs from predators and parasites.
A new species of Archaeopteryx, Archaeopteryx albersdoerferi, has been discovered with advanced flight characteristics, supporting its status as a transitional fossil between birds and dinosaurs. The study used 3D X-ray analyses to reveal skeletal adaptations that enabled the ancient bird to fly more efficiently.
Researchers discovered fossilized lung structures in an early bird ancestor, similar to those of modern birds. The findings suggest that key avian structures were in place by the Early Cretaceous and may have helped modern bird ancestors survive the extinction of dinosaurs.
Ledumahadi mafube, a 12-tonne giant plant-eater, was the largest land animal alive when it lived nearly 200 million years ago. The new species' fossil reveals insights into its evolution and geographic history.
The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus provides significant insights into the evolution of alvarezsaurs, an enigmatic group of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils reveal transitional steps in their adaptation to new diets, showing that these dinosaurs evolved short arms only later in their evolutionary history.
The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus sheds light on the evolution of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs' monodactyl hands. These ancient theropods display a major macroevolutionary shift from grasping hands to specialized, functionally monodactyl hands.
A team of scientists found that coral-algal partnerships have endured climate change events since the time of dinosaurs, approximately 160 million years ago. The research suggests that modern corals and their algal partners may survive modern-day global warming due to their long history of adaptability.
A team of scientists found that coral-algal partnerships are older and more diverse than previously thought, with a history dating back to the 'age of dinosaurs.' This relationship has enabled corals to adapt to environmental changes over millions of years.
Floral scents have been attracting pollinating insects and other animals since the mid-Cretaceous Period, providing olfactory excitement to these ancient creatures. The study found that modern and ancient flowers of the same lineages produced similar essences, suggesting a long history of floral fragrance production.
An international team of researchers has confirmed that Brachiosaurus dinosaurs inhabited the US region, including the largest dinosaur foot ever found. The discovery was made in Wyoming and measured over 4 meters high at its hip.
The newly discovered Akainacephalus species from Utah is found to be closely related to Asian ankylosaurids, contradicting the prevailing view of its North American origins. Its unique armor arrangement suggests a distinct provincialism in Laramidia during the Late Campanian stage.
Researchers at the University of Leeds grew herbivore dinosaurs' diet by mimicking atmospheric conditions similar to those found roughly 150 million years ago. The study showed that many plant species had significantly higher energy and nutrient levels under high CO2 concentrations.
A new study challenges the classic image of dinosaurs, revealing that they couldn't stick out their tongues. Researchers compared hyoid bones of modern birds and crocodiles with those of extinct dinosaur relatives, finding that most dinosaurs had short, simple tongue bones anchored to the floor of their mouth.
Scientists have discovered a 99-million-year-old featherwing beetle preserved in amber, named 'Jason'. The beetle has been found to have unique features not seen in modern featherwings, but also shares many similarities with its living relatives.
A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.
A new study reveals that the asteroid impact that wiped out dinosaurs also caused a mass extinction of forests, leading to the demise of tree-dwelling birds. The research team analyzed fossil records and pollen evidence to conclude that the temporary loss of forests after the impact made it impossible for arboreal birds to survive.
Researchers analyzed plant fossil record and evolutionary relationships to conclude that global forest collapse led to the survival of only a few ancestral bird lineages. These early survivors adapted to life on the ground, laying the foundation for the diverse range of modern bird species.
Researchers compared bird and turtle genomes to determine dinosaur chromosome structure, revealing similarities with modern birds. The study's findings suggest that dinosaurs had a similar karyotype pattern as modern birds, contributing to their diversity.
Scientists analyzed 107 mammal genomes to find genes that allowed early ancestors to digest insects. They discovered nearly all mammals have remnants of these genes, suggesting a shared insectivorous diet with our distant ancestors.
A Rutgers-led study found that the 405,000-year cycle of gravitational tugs from Jupiter and Venus has shaped our planet's climate for over 215 million years. This consistent pattern allows scientists to precisely date geological events like the spread of dinosaurs.
Researchers studied the teeth of carnivorous dinosaurs and found that different species used varying biting strategies to capture and consume their prey. The study reveals that some dinosaurs, like Dromaeosaurus, were adapted for handling struggling prey or processing bone, while others, like Troodon, preferred softer fare.
A new study reveals that the origins of dinosaurs were triggered by a crisis mass extinction event 232 million years ago. The Carnian Pluvial Episode led to repeated extinctions and a surge in global warming, acid rain, and climate perturbations.
Researchers studied fossilized remains from Morocco and Niger to reconstruct the past's food chains, explaining how large predators coexisted. Calcium isotope analysis showed that carnivores shared resources by subtly hunting different prey types, such as herbivorous dinosaurs or fish.