Researchers found that large volcanic eruptions may have stimulated population surges of marine microorganisms, creating the first puffs of oxygen into the atmosphere. This would change existing stories of Earth's early atmosphere and has implications for extraterrestrial life and climate change.
A new digital study has found that Tyrannosaurus rex's jaw had nerve sensors enabling it to better detect and eat its prey. The researchers used computed tomography to analyze the distribution of neurovascular canals in a fossil mandible, revealing complex branching patterns similar to those of modern-day crocodiles and birds.
Scientists have discovered three new dinosaur fossils in Northwest China, representing two new species: Silutitan sinensis and Hamititan xinjiangensis. The findings shed light on sauropods in the region and increase the known diversity of Mesozoic reptiles in the area.
A new study suggests that small single-celled organisms may have formed larger multicellular life forms to better navigate icy waters. This shift in size allowed for increased propulsion and access to a wider range of food sources, giving early organisms an ecological advantage.
Researchers have discovered that the modern tiger shark originated 13.8 million years ago, rather than the previously assumed 5.3 million years. The study, published in Paleobiology, used geometric morphometrics to analyze fossil teeth and found only one valid species of tiger shark remaining today.
George Mason University's Mark D. Uhen has received funding to create a Paleobiology Database with machine learning tools for automating data entry, reducing expert time and cost. The project aims to improve the usability of the database through user workshops and online resources.
Scientists have discovered a 200-million-year-old fossil showing a squid-like creature attacking its prey, including a herring-like fish. The fossil, dated to the Sinemurian period, suggests a violent predation event that ultimately led to the death and preservation of both animals.
Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.
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.
Researchers found that the human shoulder acts like a slingshot during a throw, storing and releasing energy to produce fast throws. This ability first emerged in Homo erectus approximately 2 million years ago and was crucial for hunting and survival.
A University of Georgia study analyzed over 46,000 fossils from 52 sites, revealing that abundant species did not necessarily persist longer than less abundant ones outside of the Ordovician extinction event. Instead, rarer genera were more likely to be present longer in the fossil record.
A new study of marine snails reveals a significant boost in metabolism between 200 and 80 million years ago. The researchers suggest that this change was driven by the shift from plant-based to predatory diets, which led to an evolutionary arms race.
The study identifies the early Katian Age as the commencement of the Kwangsian Orogeny, a significant event in South China's geological evolution. Continuous Ordovician sections in Yongxin and Chongyi Counties display a continuous graptolite sequence, indicating a sharp facies change from deep-water black shales to shallow-water clastics.
The free NSF-funded e-booklet provides a concise primer on the essential information everyone should know about the Earth sciences. The Earth Science Literacy Initiative's framework document establishes nine 'Big Ideas' and supporting concepts, covering key areas like geology, climate science, and oceanography.
Researchers link polygamy and paternal care in modern birds to their dinosaur ancestors. Studies found that male dinosaurs in nests had large egg clutches, suggesting multiple females contributed eggs and the males guarded them.