Researchers at Cleveland Museum of Natural History propose that early humans used naturally sharp rocks as cutting tools before developing their own stone technology. This new hypothesis challenges current understanding of the origin of stone knapping, suggesting a more extensive use of natural resources than previously thought.
African DNA and ancient DNA research is poised to dramatically increase, but African scientists remain underrepresented. A new paper outlines a bold vision for an equitable future, including training more African scholars and improving scientific literacy.
Researchers have analyzed DNA samples from over 50 institutions, including Balto at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, to shed light on extraordinary feats in mammals. The study has identified unchanged DNA across millions of years of evolution and pinpointed genetic variants associated with rare human diseases.
Researchers uncovered favorable environments for hominins in Central Asia's steppe and semi-arid zones during the Pleistocene era. The study suggests that these regions were crucial for early human dispersals out of Africa and through Asia.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has developed a new planetarium software plug-in that enables users to teach beyond the stars by exploring biodiversity trends and patterns. The tool allows educators to leverage 1.6 billion specimen records, creating customized programs on biodiversity and conservation.
Scientists have discovered a new species of praying mantis that conspicuously mimics a wasp, offering insights into the evolutionary biology and defense mechanisms of this unique behavior. The newly described Vespamantoida wherleyi joins one previously known species within the newly erected genus Vespamantoida.
Researchers uncover remarkably complete cranium of Australopithecus anamensis, a 3.8-million-year-old early human ancestor. The discovery contradicts long-held notions of human evolution, revealing that Lucy's species and its ancestor coexisted for at least 100,000 years.
A new species of extinct otter, Siamogale melilutra, has been discovered in China with a body size comparable to that of a wolf. The discovery provides insights into the evolutionary history and functional morphology of this ancient lineage.
Two new horned dinosaur tribes, Nasutoceratopsini and Centrosaurini, have been named by scientists. The new tribes are characterized by distinct skull features, with Nasutoceratopsini having large shields extending from their skulls and shorter jaws than Centrosaurini.
Research challenges traditional views in insect evolution, finding that female orchid mantises increase in size and color to gain advantage over large pollinators. This study suggests female predation strategy led to the differing male and female ecologies in the orchid mantises.
Key fossil discoveries in Africa confirm the co-existence of multiple early human ancestor species between 3.8 and 3.3 million years ago. The new review outlines a diverse evolutionary past, raising questions about how ancient species shared resources and adapted to their environments.
Scientists have developed a new method to classify praying mantises by analyzing female genital characters. The research identified a new species from Madagascar and resurrected the genus Ilomantis, which was previously extinct. The discovery is significant as it sets a precedent for using female specimens in insect classification.
Researchers discovered an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and dung beetles, with the first molecular evidence indicating their origins in the Lower Cretaceous period. The study suggests that the incorporation of flowering plants in dinosaurs' diet led to a new niche for evolution.
A recent survey of praying mantises in Rwanda revealed a significant increase in species diversity, with 28 new records added to the country and 20 new regional records discovered. The study highlights the importance of further research into insect fauna in Rwanda's national parks.
Researchers discovered that disruptive camouflage evolved twice within the group, with the second origin occurring after a special leg lobe was re-evolved. The study analyzed 33 species and nearly 400 specimens, revealing similarities in developmental mechanisms controlling cryptic features.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Wendiceratops pinhornensis, has been discovered with a unique nose horn and striking frill ornamentation. The find sheds light on the evolution of these distinctive features in the Triceratops family, providing insights into the group's early skull development.
A new human ancestor species, Australopithecus deyiremeda, has been discovered in Ethiopia that lived alongside Lucy's species. The species differs from Lucy's in terms of its thick-enamelled teeth and lower jaw architecture.
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.
A new species of bone-headed dinosaur, Acrotholus audeti, has been identified from Alberta, Canada, representing the oldest known bone-headed dinosaur in North America. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of small plant-eating dinosaurs.
The discovery of a 3.4 million-year-old foot fossil in Ethiopia confirms the coexistence of two human ancestor species with different locomotion methods. The analysis suggests that more than one species existed between 3 and 4 million years ago, challenging previous assumptions about human evolution.
Two new horned dinosaurs, Unescoceratops koppelhusae and Gryphoceratops morrisoni, have been named based on fossils found in Alberta, Canada. The discoveries fill gaps in the evolutionary history of small-bodied horned dinosaurs.
Scientists discovered 13,435- to 13,738-year-old marks on a Jefferson's Ground Sloth femur, indicating prehistoric humans hunted or scavenged the animal. The findings are the oldest evidence of human activity in Ohio and provide new insights into the lives of prehistoric Ohioans.
The newly identified genus Koreaceratops hwaseongensis is the first ceratopsian dinosaur from the Korean peninsula, featuring a parrot-like face and unique fan-shaped tail. It lived approximately 5-6 feet long and weighed around 60-100 pounds, indicating it was relatively small compared to its giant relatives.
Researchers announce the discovery of a 3.6 million-year-old partial skeleton, nicknamed 'Kadanuumuu', which is almost as proficient in walking on two legs as modern humans. The finding confirms advanced human-like walking occurred much earlier than previously thought.