Articles tagged with Dinosaur Fossils
Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of a juvenile Plateosaurus, nicknamed 'Fabian', which showed a largely fully developed morphology at an early age. The young dinosaur was estimated to be around 7.5 feet long and weigh 40-60 kilograms.
The discovery of Ajnabia odysseus in Morocco suggests that dinosaurs crossed hundreds of kilometers of open water to colonize Africa. The tiny duckbill was likely a powerful swimmer, with large tails and powerful legs, and may have simply swum the distance.
A new study reveals that mammals were socially interacting during the Age of Dinosaurs, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery of a new genus, Filikomys primaevus, indicates that these early mammals engaged in multi-generational, group-nesting and burrowing behavior.
A new study reveals that mammals developed social behavior much earlier than previously thought, interacting with dinosaurs in tightly packed clusters. The fossils, which are about 75.5 million years old, show evidence of multiple mature adults and subadults congregating, indicating a complex social structure.
A newly discovered species of toothless, two-fingered dinosaur has provided evidence of digit loss in the oviraptor family, enabling them to adapt and diversify during the Late Cretaceous Period. The discovery also revealed that young dinosaurs roamed together in groups, suggesting a social behavior.
A new study provides substantial evidence that a Jurassic fossil feather belongs to the iconic Archaeopteryx, a bird-like dinosaur. The research found that the feather matches a type of wing feather called a primary covert, identical in size and shape to those on an Archaeopteryx wing.
The complete dinosaur skeleton of Scelidosaurus has been studied in detail, revealing new insights into its anatomy and relationships. The analysis suggests that Scelidosaurus was an early ancestor of ankylosaurs, a group of armored dinosaurs.
Paleontologists used a new approach to estimate sexual variation in dinosaur fossils, finding patterns in size differences between males and females. The study suggests that using effect size statistics can produce accurate estimates of sexual dimorphism even with limited fossil data.
A new study confirms Deinosuchus had the head size and jaw strength to prey on dinosaurs. The massive creature lived in North America during the late Cretaceous period, up to 33 feet in length, making it one of the largest crocodylian genera ever in existence.
The study reanalyzed fossils of Pisanosaurus and dated rocks from the Ischigualasto Formation, finding that Ornithiscians and Saurischians first appeared and diverged around the same time. The researchers also found that the period over which the formation was deposited overlaps with the Chinle Formation in North America.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel approach to finding biological signals in ancient fossils, providing insights into major evolutionary questions. The study has already revealed valuable information about the soft shells that encased early dinosaur eggs and identified an ancient creature known as the Tully Monster.
A new Alaskan fossil discovery of a juvenile dromaeosaurid jaw bone has significant implications for the understanding of Cretaceous period dinosaurs. The study, published in PLOS ONE, supports the theory that some Arctic dinosaurs did not migrate with the seasons but were year-round residents.
A small fossil jawbone from Alaska represents a rare example of juvenile dromaeosaurid dinosaur remains from the Arctic, providing clues to the history of dinosaur dispersal between continents. The study suggests that some dinosaurs likely nested in the far north, contradicting previous theories about their migration patterns.
A new analysis of Dilophosaurus fossils reveals the largest land animal of its time had much in common with modern birds, including powerful muscles and air-filled bones. The study also sheds light on how Dilophosaurus evolved and its place in the family tree.
A new study reveals a nest of exceptionally small non-avian theropod egg fossils in Japan, providing insights into Early Cretaceous ecosystems. The Kamitaki Egg Quarry yielded over 1300 fossil eggs, mostly belonging to the newly discovered Himeoolithus murakamii genus.
Researchers discovered well-preserved conifer fossils in Patagonia that show the Araucaria genus has roots in the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The findings suggest that relatives of Norfolk Island pines were part of a rainforest stretching across Australasia and Antarctica.
Research led by Dr Anthony Romilio found evidence of massive predators in Jurassic-era fossil footprints in southern Queensland. The tracks suggest dinosaurs up to three metres high and 10 metres long roamed the area.
A 50-million-year-old insect fossil found in British Columbia provides crucial insights into the global movement of animals across deep time. The discovery suggests a previously unknown Canada-Australia connection, with modern relatives of the insect found exclusively in Australia.
The discovery of a Spinosaurus skeleton in Morocco reveals unique swimming adaptations, changing the understanding of dinosaur ecology. The analysis suggests that Spinosaurus was an actively aquatic predator, hunting prey in rivers using tail-propelled locomotion.
The discovery of Adalatherium, a bizarre mammal from Madagascar, sheds light on the evolution of mammals during the time of dinosaurs. Its unique characteristics and preserved 3D structure offer valuable insights into the geography and fauna of the region.
The Kem Kem Group, a region famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, is reviewed in this comprehensive monograph. The study describes the paleoenvironments and fauna of the area, including massive theropod dinosaurs and sail-backed Spinosaurus.
A new species of dromaeosaurid, Dineobellator notohesperus, has been discovered in the Ojo Alamo Formation in New Mexico. The dinosaur's unique features, including curved vertebrae near the base of its tail, suggest increased agility and improved predation success.
The discovery of a nearly complete 66.7-million-year-old bird skull, nicknamed the Wonderchicken, provides direct insight into the early evolution of modern birds. The fossil, found in Europe, combines features common to chicken- and duck-like birds, suggesting it is close to the last common ancestor of modern chickens and ducks.
Researchers found over 50 dinosaur footprints on ancient coastal mudflats, including stegosaurian and theropod dinosaurs. The discovery expands the list of known dinosaurs living in the region during the Middle Jurassic Period.
A new species of Allosaurus, Allosaurus jimmadseni, has been discovered in Utah, inhabiting the flood plains of western North America during the Late Jurassic Period. The species possesses unique features, including a short narrow skull and relatively long legs and tail.
Researchers from Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences studied two mid-sized, immature T. rex skeletons to understand the tyrant king's teenage years. The team found that the small T. rex were growing as fast as modern-day warm-blooded animals and underwent drastic changes as they matured.
A newly discovered penguin species, Kupoupou stilwelli, found on Chatham Island has proportions close to its modern relatives, indicating it waddled on land. The 62.5-60 million-year-old fossil provides insight into the evolution of early penguins and their adaptation to subtropical seas.
Researchers uncover unique tooth for preening feathers and establish distinct lineage between North American and Asian dromaeosaurids. The discovery provides valuable insight into the evolution of theropod dinosaurs around the world.
A new genus and species of predatory dinosaur Siamraptor suwati has been identified in the Early Cretaceous geologic formation of Thailand. The fossil discovery reveals that this group of dinosaurs had spread to three continents by the Early Cretaceous, filling a notable gap in the fossil record.
A new study framework improves and expands current practice in fossil color reconstruction by incorporating chemical signatures of different pigments. This framework provides a reliable and repeatable approach to test fundamental hypotheses related to animal physiology, ecology, and behavior.
A new hadrosaur species, Kamuysaurus japonicus, discovered in Japan's Hakobuchi Formation, reveals insights into hadrosaur diversity and evolution during the Late Cretaceous Period. The 72-million-year-old specimen showcases unique features, such as a small crest and forward-pointing neural spines.
A new herbivorous hadrosaurid dinosaur, Kamuysaurus japonicus, has been discovered in Japan with three distinct features. The dinosaur, measuring 8 meters long and weighing up to 5.3 tons, is closely related to other Edmontosaurini clade species.
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.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified two new dinosaur species in Thailand, both distant relatives of T. rex. The creatures were efficient predators with a more primitive structure than their tyrannosaur cousin.
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 fossil crab species, Callichimaera perplexa, has been discovered, challenging our understanding of evolution and revealing a unique body form. The species has characteristics similar to crab larvae, with adults exhibiting disproportionately large eyes and oar-like legs that are the oldest record of adaptations for swimming.
A new species of Mongolian dinosaur, Gobihadros, has been discovered with complete skeletal remains. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hadrosaurs during the Late Cretaceous Period.
Paleontologists uncover part of a skull from the Liscomb Bonebed, revealing the presence of lambeosaurines in the Arctic during the Late Cretaceous. The discovery suggests that hadrosaurines and lambeosaurines may have had different habitat preferences.
Scientists have discovered the largest dinosaur skeleton ever found in Canada, a 13-metre-long Tyrannosaurus rex named Scotty. The ancient predator is estimated to have weighed over 8,800 kg and lived around 66 million years ago.
A team of scientists discovered a new Cretaceous fossil with an egg preserved inside its body, revealing unusual reproductive system abnormalities. The fossil, representing a new species Avimaia schweitzerae, shows an eggshell consisting of two layers instead of one, indicating the egg was retained too long inside the abdomen.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh found evidence that a juvenile T. rex fed on a plant-eating Edmontosaurus dinosaur, despite lacking adult bone-crushing abilities. The discovery provides insight into how T. rex developed changes in diet and feeding habits as it grew.
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 paleontologists has discovered the oldest known frog fossils in North America, dating back to the Late Triassic period around 216 million years ago. The fossils, found in Arizona, provide new insights into the ecosystems of the time and highlight the importance of microfossil collection and analysis.
The discovery of Mnyamawamtuka moyowamkia provides new clues to the evolution of ecosystems on the African continent during the Cretaceous period. The dinosaur, a member of the titanosaur sauropod family, has a unique heart-shaped tail that sheds light on its evolutionary history.
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.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of fossilized shark teeth, Galagadon nordquistae, in the same rock as SUE the T. rex. The small shark lived in freshwater rivers and had distinctive shaped teeth similar to spaceships from the video game Galaga.
Fossils of well-armed and substantial flying reptiles from the UK's Jurassic period have been uncovered, revealing multiple pterosaur lineages, including a new species with a wingspan of two metres. The research sheds light on the evolution of flying reptiles and their role in understanding global natural history.
A newly discovered fossil from a 75-million-year-old bird reveals that enantiornithines were as advanced as modern birds in terms of flight. The fossil's unique features, including a deeper keeled breast bone and V-shaped wishbone, suggest a stronger and more agile wing structure.
Researchers at Yale University discovered chemicals that preserve dinosaur soft tissues under specific conditions, such as oxidative environments. These preserved structures are comparable to Advanced Glycoxidation and Lipoxidation end products (AGEs and ALEs), which are resistant to decay and degradation.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE provides the most comprehensive analysis of a Hadrosaur bone bed in Europe, shedding light on the lives of these ancient herbivores. The research reveals that young individuals were more abundant than adults, suggesting a natural population dynamic.
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.
A new anatomical description of the car-sized sauropod relative Sarahsaurus aurifontanalis has shed light on its evolutionary changes and potential clues to why some dinosaurs got so big. The fossils, discovered in Arizona, provide a rare glimpse into the anatomy of these massive creatures.
Researchers uncover shift in specialized features of alvarezsaurs through discovery of Xiyunykus pengi and Bannykus wulatensis fossils. Early members had relatively long arms with strong-clawed hands and typical meat-eating teeth, contrasting with modern mole-like arms and single claw.
Researchers at Field Museum create 'Easy-Bake fossils' by simulating the fossilization process in a lab, allowing for more accurate interpretations of ancient organisms. The method enables scientists to study the preservation of soft tissues and biomolecules, shedding light on evolution and biology.
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.
A new study validates 'phantom' fossil footprints collected in the 1950s showing dicynodonts coexisting with dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on ancient ecosystems and highlights the importance of trace fossils like footprints.
Researchers discovered six new species of pterosaurs with remarkable diversity in size and shape, contradicting previous studies that suggested a decline before the mass extinction. The fossils date to just over 66 million years ago, revealing that these flying reptiles dominated the skies until their extinction.
Researchers used synchrotron microtomography to reveal that Archaeopteryx had adaptations similar to those of modern flying birds, suggesting it could have flown actively. This discovery provides insight into the early evolution of dinosaurian flight and challenges previous assumptions about its lifestyle.
A nearly complete skeleton of a 250-65 million year old chick fossil provides insight into the bone development and evolutionary diversification of birds. The study suggests that early bird developmental strategies may have been more diverse than previously thought, with some species relying heavily on parental care.
The discovery of Mansourasaurus shahinae, a long-necked plant-eater with bony plates, fills gaps in Africa's Late Cretaceous fossil record. The species helps answer questions about Africa's connections to Europe and the degree to which its animals evolved independently.