Articles tagged with Dinosaurs
Researchers found evidence that a feathered, but flightless dinosaur, Sinocalliopteryx, was able to snag and consume small flying dinosaurs. The fossilized remains of three Confuciusornis were found in the belly of Sinocalliopteryx, revealing its voracious eating habits.
A new Ohio University-led study suggests that the rise of the Rocky Mountains and a major seaway in North America triggered the evolution of new dinosaur species. The researchers found that changes in geography led to isolation, facilitating rapid speciation and increased diversity in duck-billed and horned dinosaurs.
A team of researchers has discovered the eating habits of Diplodocus, a giant herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic period, using a three-dimensional model of its skull. The study found that branch stripping was the most stress-free eating behavior for the dinosaur.
A team of international researchers used CT scans and biomechanical modelling to understand how Diplodocus fed on tree branches. They found that combing and raking of leaves was a stress-free feeding behaviour for the skull bones and teeth, contradicting previous hypotheses.
A new study in Nature finds that the presence of lines of arrested growth (LAG) in dinosaur bones does not indicate ectothermy. Instead, LAGs provide insight into how animals adjust their metabolism in response to seasonal changes.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new method to accurately measure dinosaur weight, reducing estimates for a Brachiosaur skeleton from 80 tonnes to 23 tonnes. The team's laser scanning technique provides a more accurate estimate of body mass, suggesting dinosaurs were not as massive as previously believed.
A mathematical model suggests that sauropods could have produced more methane than all modern sources combined. The study calculates global methane emissions from sauropods to be around 520 million tons per year, comparable to total modern methane emissions.
Fossil discovery reveals ancient flea-like animals that could feed on dinosaur skin, leading to a painful bite experience. The creatures, similar to modern fleas but much larger, had flat bodies and long claws.
A study found that large-bodied herbivores declined in biodiversity over the last 12 million years of the Cretaceous period. In contrast, carnivorous dinosaurs and smaller plant-eaters remained relatively stable or increased in diversity. The researchers used morphological disparity to analyze dinosaur groups and found that certain spe...
Dinosaurs laid eggs, which limited their size and competitiveness compared to viviparous mammals. This led to a gap in body sizes, allowing smaller species to occupy niches, ultimately contributing to the dinosaurs' extinction.
Researchers found bands of fast and slow growth in Edmontosaurus fossils, indicating periodic seasonal stresses. The study suggests these dinosaurs adapted to Arctic conditions by living year-round, rather than migrating to warmer regions.
Researchers have discovered that different species of dinosaurs had distinct egg shapes, with some being more elongate and symmetrical than bird eggs. This new research has significant implications for understanding the origins of modern Easter eggs.
Researchers have found that fire was more widespread than previously thought during the Cretaceous period, potentially altering dinosaur communities. Charcoal deposits in fossil records indicate frequent wildfires, which could have exacerbated erosion and flooding.
The study, published in Geological Magazine, reveals that Aragosaurus ischiaticus, found in Teruel, Spain, is the oldest of its kind and could be a common ancestor. Its new age means it fills the gap in the transitional period between Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
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 have discovered that the feathered dinosaur Microraptor had a glossy iridescent sheen, similar to modern birds. The findings suggest that feathers were important for display even relatively early in their evolution.
A team of researchers has discovered the color and detailed feather pattern of Microraptor, a four-winged dinosaur that lived 130 million years ago. The findings suggest that feathers were important for display in the early evolution of feathers.
Scientists analyze the first iridescent fossil of a four-winged dinosaur, suggesting feathers evolved for display in early bird evolution. The study provides new insights into the role of feathers in attracting mates and challenges existing theories on the aerodynamics of feather structures.
A University of Alberta paleontologist has discovered that Tyrannosaurus rex had the greatest variation in tooth morphology or structure among all tyrannosaurids. The varying edges enabled strong teeth to cut through flesh and bone, while the placement and angle directed food into its mouth.
Researchers used computer models to reconstruct T. rex's jaw muscle and found its bite force could reach up to 57,000 Newtons, making it the most powerful bite among terrestrial animals.
Researchers have discovered a new species of turtle, Polysternon isonae, that lived with dinosaurs in Isona, Spain. The fossil remains found are rare and provide valuable information about the morphology and size of the animal.
A team of researchers has discovered a 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site in South Africa, revealing the oldest evidence of complex reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The site yielded multiple nests with eggs and embryos, as well as tiny footprints, suggesting that hatchlings remained at the site to double in size.
A 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site has been found in South Africa, providing significant insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The discovery includes clutches of eggs, embryos, and tiny footprints, shedding light on the complex behaviors of these ancient creatures.
A team of scientists discovered a sauropod dinosaur remains in Antarctica, suggesting the species may have been more widespread than previously thought. The finding improves our knowledge of the dinosaurian faunas during the Late Cretaceous period on this continent.
New research from Montana State University reveals how dinosaurs like Velociraptor and Deinonychus used their famous killer claws to latch onto prey, proposing a new behavior model for the evolution of flight in birds. This study suggests that the enlarged sickle-claw on digit two was used as an anchor to prevent escape, and that preci...
A new study from Montana State University has uncovered enormous bones of the sauropod dinosaur Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, which is now recognized as North America's biggest dinosaur. The giant vertebrae and femur measured up to 100ft long and weighed over 70 tons.
A new species of horned dinosaur named Spinops sternbergorum was discovered nearly 100 years after its initial discovery in southern Alberta, Canada. The animal lived approximately 76 million years ago and weighed around two tons, featuring a unique bony neck frill with long spikes.
Research suggests that sauropod dinosaurs used hollow osteoderms to store minerals needed for their huge skeletons and laying large egg clutches. The study also found that these "skin bones" became more important mineral stores as the animals grew.
Researchers found that Carnotaurus' unique tail structure supported a massive caudofemoralis muscle, allowing for exceptional straight-ahead speed. The muscle's attachment to the upper leg bones also enabled powerful flexing, giving the dinosaur increased power and speed.
A small fossil fragment at London's Natural History Museum has been identified as part of the world's largest toothed pterosaur, reaching a wingspan of up to 7 meters. The discovery provides insight into patterns of evolution among extinct groups and sheds light on why some species achieved giant sizes.
Researchers have uncovered details on the brain and nasal passages of a 72 million-year-old armoured dinosaur Euoplocephalus. The team found that it had good senses of smell and hearing, and may have generated sound through its looping nasal passages to communicate.
A new study provides clear evidence that many primitive bird species survived right up until the time of the Chicxulub meteorite impact. The team identified and dated a large collection of bird fossils representing various species, showing diversity in size, beak structure, and other features.
Researchers have discovered the fossil of a newborn nodosaur, the youngest known species, in Maryland. The discovery sheds light on the development of limbs and skulls early in a dinosaur's life, as well as dinosaur parenting and reproductive biology.
Researchers at Montana State University have discovered that dog-sized dinosaurs that lived in the Antarctic Circle had bone tissue very similar to those living elsewhere on the planet. This finding may help explain how dinosaurs were able to dominate the Earth for 160 million years.
The discovery of Acristavus gagslarsoni, a non-crested hadrosaur, reveals that two distinct styles of headgear evolved independently. The fossils found in different locations suggest earlier species roamed over a larger region of North America.
Researchers in Argentina used fossilized insect cocoons to describe how wasps played a crucial role in consuming rotting dinosaur eggs. The study provides insight into the murky world of insect communities that thrived at the feet of gigantic dinosaurs.
Researchers at Yale University found a ceratopsian horn fossil buried just five inches below the K-T boundary, suggesting that dinosaurs did not go extinct prior to the impact. The discovery provides further evidence for the impact hypothesis and may have closed the 'three-meter gap' in the fossil record.
A new study by Katy Prentice shows that pterosaurs evolved in a unique way, specializing over 160 million years. The research found that pterosaurs remained conservative for 70 million years before experimenting with new modes of life, adapting to feed on different food sources and becoming larger.
Researchers used a new technique to determine dinosaur body temperatures, finding that sauropod dinosaurs had temperatures similar to those of modern mammals. The study provides insights into dinosaur physiology and suggests alternative explanations for their metabolism and behavior.
Researchers from the University of Bonn analyzed fossil teeth from two giant herbivorous dinosaurs, Camarasaurus and Brachiosaurus, using a chemical thermometer to determine their body temperatures. The analysis revealed that both dinosaurs had a body temperature between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius.
Researchers from Caltech have developed a new approach to measure dinosaur body temperatures, providing new insights into their physiology. They found that sauropod dinosaurs had body temperatures similar to those of most modern mammals, ranging from 35.7°C to 38.2°C.
New research reveals that some dinosaurs, such as big plant-eating dinosaurs, were active both day and night due to their need for constant food intake. Velociraptors, on the other hand, hunted at night like modern nocturnal animals, challenging the traditional assumption about dinosaur activity patterns.
A new study reveals that dinosaurs, like velociraptors, were nocturnal hunters, while plant-eaters were active during the day and night. The research uses eye measurements to separate ecological and phylogenetic signals, providing insight into how environment influences evolution.
Research reveals that birds developed better olfactory capabilities during early evolution, surpassing even those of small meat-eating dinosaurs. This finding contradicts the long-held notion that bird ancestors prioritized vision and balance over smell.
Researchers found evidence that lice began to diversify before the mass extinction of dinosaurs, supporting the idea that major groups of birds and mammals were around before their extinction. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the evolutionary history of these animals.
A study published in Fungal Genetics and Biology reveals that morels have a long history of being appreciated by humans, with a 129-million-year timeline tracing back to the Cretaceous Period. Morels have evolved into 177 related species, with the Pacific Northwest serving as an evolutionary hotspot.
Scientists have discovered a new sauropod dinosaur, Brontomerus mcintoshi, with enormous thigh muscles and unique hip structure, suggesting it may have used its kick as defense against predators. The discovery challenges the previous idea that sauropods began to disappear in the Early Cretaceous period.
A new census of dinosaur skeletons reveals that Tyrannosaurus rex subsisted on both carrion and fresh-killed prey, exploiting a variety of animals. The discovery challenges the long-held notion of T. rex as an apex predator.
A newly discovered species, Titanoceratops, has been identified as the earliest known member of its family, with an estimated weight of nearly 15,000 pounds and a massive eight-foot-long skull. The discovery suggests that the triceratopsian family evolved over five million years earlier than previously thought.
Researchers at University of Alberta used U-Pb dating to determine a hadrosaur bone is 64.8 million years old, contradicting the long-held paradigm that dinosaurs died between 65.5 and 66 million years ago.
Researchers from UC Davis and UC Berkeley have discovered a new dinosaur, Eodramaeus, that lived 230 million years ago in South America. The carefully dated fossils suggest dinosaurs existed alongside other animals during the same periods of extinction, challenging the prevailing hypothesis about their origin.
Scientists have solved the long-standing problem of pterosaur head crests by discovering a female fossil with an egg, showing females were crestless and males used crests to intimidate rivals. The discovery uses hip size and crest development to sex pterosaurs.
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 found that mammal body size patterns changed dramatically after the dinosaurs went extinct. The study, funded by NSF, reveals a thousand-fold increase in mammalian body size over time.
After the dinosaurs disappeared, mammals grew dramatically in size, with some reaching 17 tonnes, and ecosystems reset relatively quickly. The study reveals that climate and space availability limit mammalian size, with no single group dominating the largest class.
After the dinosaurs' demise, mammals grew significantly in size, from about ten kilograms to 17 tonnes, with consistent patterns across continents and time. The largest mammal, Indricotherium transouralicum, weighed around 17 tonnes.
The Morrison Natural History Museum has discovered infant dinosaur footprints, representing baby sauropods, in the Late Jurassic period. The tracks suggest that Morrison was an apatosaur nursery, with evidence of a running trackway demonstrating only hindpaw tracks.
The discovery of Yizhousaurus sunae sheds light on the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs. The ancient creature lived around 200 million years ago with a long neck and robust skeleton, exhibiting hallmarks of later sauropods.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that Tyrannosaurus rex had bite marks on its own bones, indicating cannibalism. The research suggests that T. rex may have eaten smaller dinosaurs as well, and that its eating habits were different from those of modern species.
A new species of dinosaur, Sarahsaurus, discovered in Arizona suggests that dinosaurs did not spread globally by overpowering other species but instead took advantage of a natural catastrophe. The fossil, which lived around 190 million years ago, shows that sauropodomorphs started out small and later evolved to large size.