Dinosaurs

‘Last titan’: Southeast Asia’s biggest dinosaur discovered

Dinosaur dental fossils reveal bird-like parental care bonds

Oldest dinosaur tracksite in Northeast Asia discovered: evidence shows large dinosaurs ranges as far as northern Mongolia 120 million years ago

A joint research team has rediscovered a dinosaur tracksite in the Saizhurakh area of northern Mongolia, revealing footprints of both large herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. The site provides clear evidence that large dinosaurs inhabited regions as far north as northern Mongolia during the Early Cretaceous period.

Fossil X-ray reveals new species of baby dino named for iconic Korean cartoon

A new species of baby dinosaur, Doolysaurus huhmini, has been discovered on Aphae Island in Korea, estimated to be around two years old. The fossil was analyzed using X-ray technology and revealed growth markers, gastroliths, and a possible fuzzy coat, providing insights into the dinosaur's diet and anatomy.

Researchers show dinos hatched eggs less efficiently than modern birds

Researchers in Taiwan studied oviraptor incubation patterns, finding that oviraptors used the sun's warmth to hatch eggs, unlike modern birds. This study sheds light on the evolution of avian-style incubation and reveals that oviraptors may not have been as efficient at hatching eggs as modern birds.

“Peculiar” ancient ancestor of the crocodile started life on four legs in adolescence before it began walking on two

A new study reveals that the ancient reptile Sonselasuchus, a relative of the crocodile, began life on four legs before learning to walk on two. The discovery was made by analyzing the proportions of the limb skeletons of different animals, suggesting that the creature's bipedal stance may have resulted from differential growth patterns.

Of crocodiles, counting and conferences

Researchers have discovered that crocodiles' growth rates are flexible and change depending on environmental conditions, revealing new insights into their life history. The findings challenge traditional methods used to age dinosaurs, suggesting a reevaluation of how growth marks are interpreted.

Why Triceratops has such a big nose

Researchers from the University of Tokyo used CT scans to study Triceratops' nasal anatomy, revealing a specialized structure called a respiratory turbinate. This unique feature helped regulate temperature and moisture levels in the dinosaur's large skull.

Brisbane dinosaur fossil is Australia’s oldest

A 230-million-year-old footprint discovered in Brisbane is now recognized as Australia's oldest dinosaur fossil. The small, two-legged dinosaur, likely an early sauropodomorph, stood about 75-80 cm tall and weighed around 140 kg.

Baby dinosaurs a common prey for Late Jurassic predators

A new study reveals that young sauropods were a key food source for Late Jurassic predators, with adults unable to care for their eggs and offspring. The research team mapped out a 'food web' of the time, finding that sauropods had a significant impact on their ecosystem.

The fastest-running theropod trackway in the Cretaceous from Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China

The study reveals a 81m dinosaur trackway as the longest known in China and the fastest running theropod trackway from the Cretaceous period. The analysis indicates that medium-sized theropods ran at speeds of up to 45 km/h, while large theropods walked at slower speeds.

Museums staff overwhelmingly in favor of behind-the-scenes tours

Most museum staff support behind-the-scenes tours to educate the public about their work and promote biodiversity. The tours can help improve teaching and public speaking skills, while also fostering a sense of reciprocity and responsibility among staff.

‘Free-range’ dinosaur parenting may have created surprisingly diverse ancient ecosystems

Dinosaurs operated with a 'latchkey kid' approach, with young offspring independent and foraging alone after just a few months. This led to an increased number of functional species in dinosaur fossil communities compared to modern mammals.

Return of the short (tyrant) king: A new paper by Dinosaur Institute researcher shows Nanotyrannus was not a juvenile T. Rex

A new paper published in Science reveals that Nanotyrannus is nearly fully grown and not an immature T. rex, while also providing insights into how giant predators achieved terrifying sizes quickly.

Scores of dinosaurs walked and swam along a Bolivian shoreline

A study published in PLOS One reports over 16,000 dinosaur footprints discovered at the Carreras Pampas tracksite in Bolivia. The footprints indicate that dinosaurs walked, ran, swam, and even performed sharp turns along an ancient shoreline.

Looping long-necked dinosaur site reveals its secrets

A unique looping trail of ancient footprints in Colorado has provided insights into the behavior of a long-necked dinosaur, including possible evidence of limping. The analysis of over 130 footprints revealed subtle patterns, such as variations in footprint width and step length differences between left and right feet.

New Upper Franconian ichthyosaur species from Mistelgau

A new ichthyosaur species, Eurhinosaurus mistelgauensis, has been described from the Mistelgau fossil site in Bavaria, Germany. The species shares striking similarities with dolphins and tuna, featuring a pronounced overbite similar to modern swordfish.

‘Teen’ pachycephalosaur butts into fossil record

A newly discovered pachycephalosaur fossil from Mongolia's Gobi Desert provides crucial insights into the dinosaur group's growth and development. The 15-million-year-old specimen, called Zavacephale rinpoche, is the oldest and most complete skeleton of this iconic dinosaur group found to date.

New fossils show how “bizarre” armoured dinosaur, Spicomellus afer, had 1 metre spikes sticking out from its neck

The discovery of Spicomellus afer reveals an armoured dinosaur with metre-long spikes on its neck and tail weapon, showcasing the diversity of ankylosaurs' armour. This find pushes back the evolution of ankylosaur tail weapons by over 30 million years.

Dinosaur teeth give glimpse of early Earth’s climate

A new method reconstructs carbon dioxide levels and photosynthesis from fossilized tooth enamel, shedding light on the climate of the Mesozoic era. The analysis found that atmospheric CO2 levels were four times higher in the late Jurassic period and three times higher in the late Cretaceous period than they are today.

Gigantic, meat-eating dinosaurs didn’t all have strong bites

A new analysis of 18 species of carnivorous dinosaurs reveals that not all giant predators had strong bites, but instead specialized in different feeding styles. This study demonstrates the diversity of feeding strategies among giant carnivores, challenging the assumption that one 'best' skull design existed for being a predatory giant.

Clues for dinosaurs’ diets found in the chemistry of their fossil teeth

Researchers found that different species of dinosaurs had distinct preferences for plant parts, including leaves, buds, and woody tissues. This discovery helps explain how so many large herbivores coexisted in the same ecosystem without competing for resources.

Dinosaur tracks show first evidence of multispecies herding

A new study in PLOS One discovers a dinosaur tracksite in Alberta, Canada, showcasing the social interaction between different species 76 million years ago. The tracks reveal that multiple species, including ceratopsians and ankylosaurs, walked together, possibly as a defense strategy against predators.

Europe’s most complete stegosaurian skull unearthed in Teruel, Spain

A team of palaeontologists from Fundación Dinópolis has discovered a partial stegosaurian skull in Spain, revealing previously unknown aspects of the species' anatomy. The find has led to the proposal of a new evolutionary hypothesis and the definition of a new group called Neostegosauria.

Mystery of “very odd” elasmosaur finally solved: one of North America’s most famous fossils identified as new species

A group of elasmosaur fossils has been formally identified as belonging to a new genus, Traskasaura sandrae. This ancient marine reptile, measuring 12 meters long and having heavy, sharp teeth, likely hunted prey from above using its strong swimming capabilities.

T. rex’s direct ancestor crossed from Asia to North America

The study suggests that T. rex and its cousins may have been better suited to cooler climates due to having feathers or a more warm-blooded physiology. The team found that megaraptors, a closely related group, were more widely distributed across the globe than previously thought, originating in Asia about 120 million years ago.

Giant croclike carnivore fossils found in the Caribbean

A research team discovered fossilized teeth and vertebrae in the Dominican Republic, confirming that large, terrestrial predators like sebecids once inhabited the Caribbean. This finding supports the GAARlandia hypothesis, suggesting temporary land bridges allowed animals to travel between South America and the Caribbean.

Footprints of tail-clubbed armored dinosaurs found for the first time

Researchers have discovered footprints of ankylosaurid armoured dinosaurs, known as Ruopodosaurus clava, in the Canadian Rockies. The 100-million-year-old fossilized footprints provide evidence that tail-clubbed ankylosaurs were alive and well in North America during a previously unknown period.

Dinosaurs’ apparent decline prior to asteroid may be due to poor fossil record

A new study led by UCL researchers found that the quality of the dinosaur fossil record worsened during the final 6 million years prior to the asteroid impact. The team analyzed over 8,000 fossils and estimated that dinosaurs may have been doing better than previously suggested in the lead-up to the asteroid impact.

Life recovered rapidly at site of dino-killing asteroid. A hydrothermal system may have helped.

A study found that a hydrothermal system created by an asteroid impact helped marine life flourish in the Gulf of Mexico for at least 700,000 years. The system generated and circulated nutrients, supporting high-nutrient environments that favored certain types of plankton.

Footprints reveal prehistoric Scottish lagoons were stomping grounds for giant Jurassic dinosaurs

A new study in PLOS One reveals over 130 dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye, providing insight into their distribution and behavior. The trackways suggest large theropods like Megalosaurus and sauropods like Cetiosaurus strolled through ancient subtropical lagoons.

Ancient amphibians as big as alligators died in mass mortality event in Triassic Wyoming

A mass mortality event occurred in Triassic Wyoming, where dozens of giant amphibians called metoposaurid temnospondyls died together on an ancient floodplain. The study provides a unique snapshot of a single population and doubles the known number of individuals of the species Buettnererpeton bakeri.

Scientists uncover the first clear evidence of air sacs in the fossilized bones of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs: the "hollow bones" which help modern day birds to fly

Researchers found clear evidence of air sacs in fossilized alvarezsaurian bones, which may have helped modern birds fly. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of bird flight and the role of 'hollow bones' in this process.

Mammals were adapting from life in the trees to living on the ground before dinosaur-killing asteroid

New research reveals mammals were shifting toward a more ground-based lifestyle several million years before the dinosaurs' mass extinction event. Analyzing small-fossilized bone fragments, scientists found signs of locomotory habit in end of limb bones from marsupial and placental mammals.

From dinosaurs to birds: the origins of feather formation

Researchers have discovered that a specific gene pathway is crucial for feather formation, dating back to the origins of proto-feathers in dinosaurs. The study provides insights into how genetic interactions evolved to allow for the emergence of complex structures like feathers.

Dozens of 3-toed dinosaurs leave their mark in Queensland

A University of Queensland researcher has identified 66 fossilized footprints from 47 individual 3-toed dinosaurs that walked along a waterway during the Early Jurassic period. The footprints provide an unprecedented snapshot of dinosaur abundance, movement and behaviour from this time period.

Fossil eggshells from Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation include Cretaceous period eggs from 3 feathered bird-like dinosaurs, 2 herbivorous dinosaurs, and a crocodile-like species found for the first time outside Europe

Researchers have discovered fossilized eggs from three feathered bird-like dinosaurs, two herbivorous dinosaurs, and a previously unknown crocodile-like species in the Cedar Mountain Formation. The findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of ancient life forms and their habitats.

Study confirms fossils can retain original organic materials

A recent study published by researchers at the University of Liverpool has confirmed that Mesozoic fossils, including dinosaur bones and teeth, still preserve their original organic materials. The team used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify preserved collagen remnants in a well-preserved Edmontosaurus fossil.

New twist in mystery of dinosaurs' origin

Researchers suggest earliest dinosaurs emerged in hot, arid environments of low-latitude Gondwana, filling gaps in fossil record. This finding provides a potential origin for the iconic creatures, contradicting previous assumptions.

Dinosaurs roamed the northern hemisphere millions of years earlier than previously thought, according to new analysis of the oldest North American fossils

Researchers have discovered a new dinosaur species in present-day Wyoming that challenges the mainstream view on dinosaur emergence and spread. The 230-million-year-old fossil remains suggest dinosaurs were present in the northern hemisphere millions of years earlier than previously known.

Fossil dung reveals clues to dinosaur success story

Researchers at Uppsala University analyzed fossilized feces of dinosaurs, revealing undigested food remains and plants, which helped recreate the structure of ecosystems during the Late Triassic period. The study suggests that early herbivorous dinosaurs' love for plant shoots was crucial to their evolutionary success.

The Parasaurolophus’ pipes: Modeling the dinosaur’s crest to study its sound #ASA187

Researchers have created an acoustic model of the Parasaurolophus' crest, a unique feature of the duck-billed dinosaur. The model replicates the sounds produced by the crest, providing insights into the animal's communication and social behavior.

Thanksgiving special: dinosaur drumsticks and the story of the turkey trot

Researchers found that certain dinosaurs' shortened fibulae, a part of the lower leg bone, enabled birds to twist and turn with greater mobility. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of bird-like knees and their adaptations for navigating and interacting with their environment.

New fossil reveals the evolution of flying reptiles

A new pterosaur species reveals key transitional changes between early and later groups, shedding light on the evolution of these flying reptiles. The complete specimen helps bridge the gap in understanding how they transformed from smaller to larger sizes.

Bird brain from the age of dinosaurs reveals roots of avian intelligence

Researchers have discovered a remarkably well-preserved fossil bird from the Mesozoic Era, which has been digitally reconstructed to reveal its brain structure. The discovery, named Navaornis hestiae, fills a 70-million-year gap in our understanding of how birds evolved and provides insights into their cognitive abilities.

Did the world's best-preserved dinosaurs really die in 'Pompeii-type' events?

The Yixian Formation fossils in China are preserved due to rapid sedimentation and oxygen-free pockets, rather than volcanic events. The study's findings suggest that multiple periods of intense rainfall led to the burial of deceased creatures, preserving soft tissues.

Dinosaurs thrived after ice, not fire, says a new study of ancient volcanism

A new study finds that volcanic eruptions triggered a sudden and devastating cooling event, causing mass extinctions in the Triassic period. The research contradicts previous theories that suggested increased carbon dioxide led to warming temperatures.

Interactive museum exhibit shows how paleontologists study the past

The exhibit featured a live laboratory where paleontologists and volunteers cleaned and prepared specimens from the Montbrook site. Participants were excited to interact with scientists and answer questions about fossils.

Paleontologists discover Colorado ‘swamp dweller’ that lived alongside dinosaurs

A new fossil mammal, Heleocola piceanus, has been discovered in Colorado, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period. The animal, estimated to weigh 2 pounds or more, is a rare find among mammals from this time period.

What happened when a meteorite the size of four Mount Everests hit Earth?

A new study reveals that a giant meteorite impact, equivalent to four Mount Everests, triggered a tsunami that mixed ocean debris and heated the atmosphere. This led to a rapid recovery of bacterial life, with iron-metabolizing bacteria flourishing in its wake.

ASA invites media to virtual acoustics meeting Nov. 18-22

The Acoustical Society of America is hosting a virtual meeting from November 18-22, showcasing recent work on various topics including Alzheimer's disease detection and windfarms' impact on wildlife. Journalists can pre-register for press conferences and technical sessions.

Newly discovered Late Cretaceous birds may have carried heavy prey like extant raptors

Fossilized enantiornithine birds from the Hell Creek Formation exhibit powerful leg muscles and feet adapted for carrying heavy prey, similar to modern raptorial birds. These discoveries expand our understanding of Late Cretaceous bird diversity and evolution.

Predatory birds from the same fossil formation as SUE the T. rex

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.

New study eases concerns over possible “doomsday” asteroid swarm

Astronomers have reduced concerns about a potentially hazardous asteroid swarm near Earth after discovering fewer large space rocks than previously thought. The study found only a handful of asteroids, likely less than 14, that fit the large size class, suggesting a smaller parent object and reducing the risk of extinction-level events.

Pterosaurs needed feet on the ground to become giants

A University of Leicester study has found that the ability to walk efficiently on the ground played a crucial role in determining how large pterosaurs could grow. Early pterosaurs were adapted for climbing, but later species developed changes to their hands and feet that allowed them to thrive on land, leading to some becoming gigantic.

Asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs led to the invention of ‘ant agriculture’

A study published in Science reveals that ancient asteroid impact may have led to the evolution of fungus-farming ants, which were able to cultivate fungi due to a shortage of food sources. The findings support the hypothesis that this relationship defines the emergence of agriculture.

South African rock art possibly inspired by long-extinct species

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.

Large theropods thrived near South Pole, Australian tracks show

A discovery of 18 theropod tracks and four ornithopod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation reveals that large carnivores roamed polar environments, feeding on prey like smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles. The finds confirm that a variety of dinosaurs lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found.

Qunkasaura: New sauropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous discovered in the Iberian Peninsula

Scientists have discovered a new species of sauropod dinosaur, Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra, from the Cretaceous period in Spain. The fossil record reveals that Europe was home to both endemic and immigrant sauropods, challenging previous assumptions about regional isolation.

Why dinosaur collagen might have staying power

Researchers found that molecular interactions shield peptide bonds from water, allowing collagen to stay intact in ancient bones. This discovery could lead to the design of long-lived materials.