Articles tagged with Paleozoology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A QUT-led study has found how increasing aridity and habitat variation led to the diversification of modern kangaroos and wallabies. The research reveals that these iconic Australian marsupials evolved in two major bursts over the past nine million years, with their expansion coinciding with the emergence of grasslands.
The discovery of seven naturally-mummified cheetahs in Saudi Arabia reveals that at least two subspecies inhabited the peninsula before their extinction. This finding may open new possibilities for the reintroduction of cheetahs to the peninsula, with a genetic pool supporting rewilding efforts.
A team of international scientists reconstructed size evolution in ancient sharks using interdisciplinary analysis. The study revealed that modern sharks experimented with enormous body sizes much earlier in their evolutionary history than previously suspected.
Researchers found over 800 vertebrate fossils from a small area, including dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of European dinosaur faunas during the Late Cretaceous period.
The discovery sheds light on marine ecosystems' rapid recovery and complexification after the end-Permian mass extinction. The Spitsbergen fossil deposit reveals diverse marine reptiles, including archosauromorphs and ichthyosaurs, with some species reaching 5m in length.
A groundbreaking study reveals that domestic dogs exhibited significant variation in size and shape at least 11,000 years ago. The research analyzed 643 modern and archaeological canid skulls spanning the last 50,000 years, tracing the emergence of distinct dog forms deep into prehistory.
A 430-million-year-old fossil found in Wisconsin reveals that ancient leeches feasted on smaller marine creatures, challenging the assumption that they are bloodsuckers. The absence of a forward sucker in the fossil suggests a different early lifestyle for the group known as Hirudinida.
Fossilized marine invertebrates accurately reflect past ecosystems' functional diversity, offering a powerful tool for understanding long-term ecological change and informing modern conservation efforts. The study supports the growing field of conservation paleobiology by validating the use of functional diversity metrics in fossil data.
Scientists have uncovered the remains of a vast animal community that lived in the European Arctic 75,000 years ago. The bones represent the oldest example of an animal community in the region during this warmer period of the ice age, providing valuable insights into how wildlife responded to dramatic climate shifts.
New research finds megalodon preyed upon a variety of species, including fish, sharks, and even crustaceans, contrary to the long-held belief that it targeted large marine mammals. The discovery was made by analyzing zinc isotopes in fossilized teeth, providing insights into the prehistoric shark's ecological versatility.
A nearly complete leg and well-preserved fossils from a small to medium-sized carnivorous animal were found in Mallorca. The discovery, dating back 270 million years, sheds light on the evolution of mammals.
Archaeologists have discovered that early North Americans made needles from the bones of fur-bearers, including foxes, hares, and cats, which were likely used to create garments for warmth. The findings provide strong evidence for tailored garment production using bone needles and fur-bearing animal pelts.
A team of researchers discovered fossil amphibians preserved in cylindrical burrows in Wyoming, providing insights into their adaptation to extreme seasonal conditions. The ancient creatures, about a foot long, had underdeveloped arms and likely used their heads to dig burrows during the dry season.
Scientists discovered two new species of predatory birds in the Hell Creek Formation, which lived alongside dinosaurs like T. rex 68 million years ago. The fossils indicate that these birds could have hunted small mammals and baby dinosaurs using their powerful foot bones.
Researchers used novel biomolecular methods to analyze fossil bone fragments at the Smithsonian Museum, revealing excellent preservation of collagen proteins that can provide a molecular barcode for identification. The study provides new insights into the mysterious disappearance of North America's large mammals 50,000 years ago.
Researchers have discovered a new species of ancient snake, Vasuki Indicus, which lived around 47 million years ago in India. The snake is estimated to be between 10.9 and 15.2 meters long, making it one of the largest snakes to have ever existed.
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of marine lizard with dagger-like teeth that lived near the end of the age of dinosaurs. This finding highlights a dramatically different ocean ecosystem to what we see today, with numerous giant top predators eating large prey.
Researchers analyzed bones from 52 sacrificed animals at the well-preserved site of Casas del Turuñuelo, revealing a pattern of repeated mass animal sacrifice in Iron Age Spain. The study sheds light on ritual protocols and intentional selection of adult horses over young animals.
The discovery of a complete Anachlysictis gracilis skeleton in Colombia provides new insights into the species' weight, estimated at around 23 kg, and diet as a hypercarnivore. The fossil's analysis suggests it preyed upon small mammals, such as marsupials and rodents, and possibly primates.
Proeboscideans evolved tooth changes in response to vegetation changes and climate change in East Africa. The earliest true elephants developed highly specialized high-crowned molar teeth around 7 million years ago, adapted to grass-rich diets.
A new species of mosasaur, Stelladens mysteriosus, has been discovered in Morocco with star-shaped 'screwdriver teeth'. The unique arrangement suggests a specialised feeding strategy or diet, but the exact prey remains unclear. This find adds to evidence that mosasaurs were evolving rapidly before their extinction 66 million years ago.
Researchers discovered that Obamus coronatus, a half-inch long Ediacaran animal, preferred to live on specific parts of the sea floor in the company of other Obamus. This finding shows that even without modern descendants, ancient animals could exhibit sophisticated behavior and habitat selection.
Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.
A research team from Germany, Austria, Canada, and the USA analyzed Troodon eggshells using a new method, revealing that they were produced at temperatures of 42°C and 30°C. The findings suggest that Troodon females laid eggs in communal nests, similar to modern ostriches.
A team of researchers from South Africa has discovered exceptional trace fossils that provide insight into the locomotion of ancient giant amphibians. The fossils, found on a rock surface once part of a tidal flat or lagoon, suggest these animals propelled themselves through water with continuous side-to-side tail motions.
A new species of ancient beaver, Anchitheriomys buceei, has been discovered in Texas and named after Buc-ee's. The beaver lived about 15 million years ago and was about 30% larger than modern beavers.
Neanderthals deliberately hunted down and slaughtered European straight-tusked elephants over 125,000 years ago, providing a significant source of nutrition. The study reveals that Neanderthals came together in larger social groups than previously assumed, with adult male individuals being overrepresented in the assemblage.
Researchers have developed a robot capable of sorting, manipulating, and identifying microscopic marine fossils. Forabot uses robotics and artificial intelligence to automate the tedious process of evaluating foram shells and fossils.
A 518-million-year-old fossilized worm named Wufengella has shed light on the evolution of three major animal groups: brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans. The discovery reveals that these ancient animals shared a common ancestor with segmented worms.
Scientists discover Opisthiamimus gregori, a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that lived in Jurassic North America alongside dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of rhynchocephalians, an order that diverged from lizards over 230 million years ago.
Research at Abu Hureyra, Syria, suggests that hunter-gatherers may have tended small numbers of animals outside their dwellings between 12,800 and 12,300 years ago. This finding challenges the widely held view that crop cultivation began first.
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
Researchers used zinc isotopes to investigate megalodon's diet and find that great white sharks likely competed with it for prey. The study provides a unique window into the past, allowing scientists to analyze extinct animals' diets over millions of years.
The discovery of Balkanatolia reveals a unique fauna that enabled Asian mammals to colonize Western Europe 34 million years ago. A new fossil deposit in Turkey dated 38-35 million years ago supports this finding, shedding light on the evolution of mammals.
New research on the world's largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, reveals that it likely leaped into the air before lifting off, using its wings to generate lift. The study, published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, is the most comprehensive on the species yet and provides new insights into its flight mechanics.
A 'raptor-like' dinosaur was actually a timid, long-necked herbivore, according to recent reanalysis of fossil footprints found in an Australian coal mine. The Prosauropod, a plant-eating dinosaur with legs about 1.4 metres tall and a body length of six metres, is the earliest evidence of its kind in Australia, marking a 50-million-yea...
A new study by CSIC researchers reconstructs the conditions under which humans first inhabited the Azores Islands, dating back to between 700 and 850 CE. The findings indicate that early human settlements led to environmental and ecological disturbance, contradicting historical records of pristine forests.
A new open-access data platform, ZooArchNet, links biological and archaeological databases to provide a long-term perspective on biodiversity crises. The platform enables researchers to reconstruct biodiversity baselines from the earliest periods of human history.
A researcher is exploring the emergence, transmission, and intensification of mobile pastoralism across the Eurasian steppe. The project will analyze human and animal bones, teeth, pottery, and other remains to understand how people relied on sheep, goats, cattle, and horses for food.