Articles tagged with Dinosaurs
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.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
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.
Scientists discovered nine new species of fossil grapes in Colombia, Panama, and Peru, spanning from 60 to 19 million years old. The oldest fossils found in the Western Hemisphere support a connection between the grape family's evolutionary journey and the mass extinction event.
Lokiceratops rangiformis, a plant-eating dinosaur with large horned frill and asymmetrical caribou-like antlers, has been discovered in Montana. The species' unusual features may have played a role in mate selection or species recognition.
Lokiceratops rangiformis is a new centrosaurine dinosaur species found in the Campanian Judith River Formation of Montana. The discovery reveals rapid regional radiations and extreme endemism within centrosaurine dinosaurs.
The newly discovered Lokiceratops rangiformis is a massive horned dinosaur found in the badlands of northern Montana. It boasts two enormous blade-like horns on its frill, as well as an asymmetric spike, making it one of the most ornate species ever found.
Researchers at Curtin University have identified a new species of pterosaur, Haliskia peterseni, from 100-million-year-old fossilized bones found in western Queensland. The specimen is 22% complete and includes features such as complete lower jaws, teeth, and wing bones.
A new study challenges previous claims that dinosaurs like T. rex were exceptionally intelligent, finding their brain size and neuron counts to be unreliable estimates of intelligence. The researchers argue that relying on single lines of evidence, such as neuron counts, can lead to misleading interpretations.
Paleontologists have unearthed what may be the largest known marine reptile, a gigantic ichthyosaur measuring over 25 meters long. The fossilized remains of its second jawbone were found on a beach in Somerset, UK, and have been identified as belonging to a new species.
A newly described species of ichthyosaur, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, is believed to be the largest known marine reptile, with estimates suggesting it could have reached up to 82 feet in length. The discovery was made from fossilized jawbone fragments found in Somerset, UK.
A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers challenges the long-held scientific principle that animals in high-latitude climates are larger than their relatives in warmer climates. The study found that Bergmann's rule applies only to a subset of homeothermic animals and ignores other climatic variables.
A study found that early Mesozoic animals, including dinosaurs, grew quickly around 230 million years ago. This feature is not unique to dinosaurs but was shared by several non-dinosaur reptiles as well.
A frozen chunk of a bird's genome has rewritten the understanding of the bird family tree, revealing that most birds were misclassified due to suppressed recombination. Scientists discovered that one section of the genome behaved unusually, leading to incorrect groupings and a more complex tree.
A new genomic study reconstructed bird evolution using full genome data from 363 species, challenging traditional views on avian relationships. The updated tree resolves debates over Neoaves classification, including the emergence of Elementaves, a diverse group with remarkable ecological niches.
A groundbreaking scientific drilling project has unearthed the world's longest geological record of the Cretaceous period, spanning over 50 million years. The project, led by Professor Wang Chengshan, has provided crucial insights into paleoclimate research and will continue to aid in predicting future climate trends.
Researchers found a rich find of evidence, including 75 fossil tracks and tree stumps, indicating a riverine or delta setting for dinosaurs. The discovery suggests the region received approximately 70 inches of precipitation annually during the mid-Cretaceous Period.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the fastest animals are medium-sized, like cheetahs, due to a physical limit imposed by muscle contraction speed and shortening. This sweet spot size of around 50kg enables animals to reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour
A new study by UChicago paleontologists has reevaluated the life habits of Spinosaurus, finding that its bone density does not support claims it was a deep diver. Instead, the analysis suggests that Spinosaurus was likely a semiaquatic wader that snatched prey from the shallows.
A new study refutes previous research suggesting Spinosaurus was an aquatic pursuit predator, highlighting methodological flaws and low accuracy of phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis. The researchers provide guidelines for future studies to use with caution when applying this methodology to limited datasets.
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.
A new species of fossil bird, named Imparavis attenboroughi, has been discovered in northeastern China and is the first of its kind to evolve toothlessness. The bird's unique wing bones suggest it may have had strong wing beats and could have foraged on both trees and ground.
Fossils of pony-sized duckbill dinosaurs in Morocco reveal a new species, Minqaria bata, with anatomy resembling European species. The discovery suggests that duckbills swam or floated across open water to colonize North Africa.
The study reveals that a limited number of exceptional fossil preservation sites can significantly impact the global availability of phylogenetic data. This distortion can affect our understanding of bird, scaly reptile, and dinosaur evolution.
Scientists discovered a common trait among flying birds, including the number of primary feathers, to determine their evolutionary history. The finding provides clues about dinosaur flight and may inform debates on its origins.
A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the end-Triassic extinction had a greater impact on terrestrial ecosystems than marine ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems took longer to recover from mass extinction events, with higher extinction severity and fewer groups occupying key ecological roles.
The first dinosaurs were faster and more dynamic than their competitors, maintaining a wider range of running styles. This adaptability allowed them to diversify and thrive after the end-Triassic mass extinction, leading to their success on Earth for so long.
Researchers used a robot dinosaur named Robopteryx to test the hypothesis that small dinosaurs flapped their primitive wings to scare prey. The results showed significant positive associations between the use of proto-wings in display behavior and the likelihood of grasshoppers fleeing.
A team of scientists proposes the 'flush-pursue hypothesis', suggesting that small dinosaurs with proto-wings used a similar strategy to birds, displaying contrasting plumage on wings and tails to trigger prey escapes. This idea is rooted in field-ornithological studies and neurobiological research on birds.
A new oviraptorosaur species was found in the end-Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation of North America. The dinosaur weighed approximately the same as an average woman, providing valuable insights into its biology and ecosystem.
A new species of tyrannosaur, Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, has been identified as the closest known relative of Tyrannosaurus rex. Analysis suggests it lived between 71 and 73 million years ago, five to seven million years before T. rex.
Researchers have found evidence that Nanotyrannus lancensis is a separate species from Tyrannosaurus rex, with narrower jaws, longer legs, and bigger arms. The new analysis suggests these animals were nearly full-grown when they died, with estimates suggesting they reached 900-1500 kilograms and five metres in size.
A newly described mosasaur, the Wakayama Soryu (blue dragon), had a distinctive shark-like dorsal fin and massive flippers that defied classification. The specimen, discovered in Japan, is the most complete mosasaur skeleton found in the country, with features that challenge current understanding of its swimming abilities.
A team led by USC Dornsife researchers has uncovered stark differences in the impact of a 200-million-year-old mass extinction event on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The study found that land-based ecosystems were hit harder, with nearly 96% of species going extinct, while marine ecosystems showed resilience with only 71% of gener...
Researchers discovered ancient bird-like footprints in Southern Africa that date back over 210 million years, 60 million years before the earliest known bird fossil. The tracks were found at multiple sites and show a mix of dinosaur and bird-like characteristics.
A new fossil assemblage in Brazil has added to the complexity of classifying silesaurid phylogeny, a family of dinosauriforms that lived during the Triassic period. The study suggests that these animals were part of the evolutionary history of dinosaurs, but their classification remains uncertain due to ambiguous anatomy.
A new alvarezsaurid dinosaur from Mongolia has provided insights into the sleeping behavior of non-avian dinosaurs. The discovery suggests that these ancient creatures may have slept in a similar position to modern birds.
Researchers discovered a 'neglected' dinosaur, Thescelosaurus neglectus, had exceptional smell and balance abilities. Its brain size was relatively small, but its olfactory bulbs were large, similar to those of living alligators.
A new sauropod dinosaur species, Garumbatitan morellensis, was discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. The fossil remains found in Sant Antoni de la Vespa exhibit unique characteristics, including a morphology similar to modern sauropods from the Late Cretaceous.
A new modeling method powered by interconnected processors removed human bias from the debate over dinosaurs' demise. The study suggests that the outpouring of climate-altering gases from the Deccan Traps alone could have been sufficient to trigger global extinction, consistent with volcanic eruptions contributing to the mass extinction.
Researchers discovered that dinosaur feathers originally had a similar protein composition to those of modern birds, contradicting earlier findings. The study used X-rays and infrared light to analyze 125-million-year-old feathers from dinosaurs and early birds, revealing the presence of beta-proteins in ancient feathers.
New research reveals similarities between dinosaurs and birds in terms of protein composition in their feathers. Analysis of fossil feathers from Sinornithosaurus and Confuciusornis showed beta-proteins, similar to those found in modern bird feathers.
New research on fossil crocodile ancestors finds they exhibited slow growth rates similar to modern-day crocodilians. The discovery challenges prevailing wisdom on the evolution of slow growth in living crocodiles.
Scientists discovered a new species of small plant-eating dinosaur, Vectidromeus insularis, on the Isle of Wight, which is the second member of the hypsilophodont family found on the island. The discovery suggests that Europe had its own distinct family of small herbivorous dinosaurs, unlike those found in Asia and North America.
Two new species of primitive carnivorous dinosaurs, belonging to the Abelisauridae family, have been discovered in Morocco. The findings suggest that dinosaurs thrived in North Africa until their mass extinction by an asteroid 66 million years ago, providing a diverse picture of African dinosaurs from the end of the age of dinosaurs.
A new study found that the apex predator Saurosuchus had a weaker bite force than previously thought, equivalent to modern gharials. This suggests that it may have fed only on soft flesh and not been able to crush bones, unlike later dinosaurs.
Researchers discovered the largest known single dinosaur track site in Alaska, dubbed 'The Coliseum', which contains layer upon layer of prints preserved in rock. The site provides a unique record of multiple species of dinosaurs thriving in Interior Alaska nearly 70 million years ago.
Paleontologists discovered a tiny fossil mammal that thrived in Arctic conditions 73 million years ago. The 'ice mouse', weighing only 11 grams, likely weathered four months of winter darkness and freezing temperatures.
A new species of armored reptile, Mambachiton, shows that the precursor to dinosaurs and pterosaurs had bony plates on its backbone, indicating that armor was ancestrally present in bird-line archosaurs. The loss and re-evolution of armor is an important aspect of dinosaur evolution.
A rare fossil discovered in China's Liaoning Province reveals a dramatic moment when a carnivorous mammal attacked a plant-eating dinosaur, challenging the view that dinosaurs had few threats from their mammal contemporaries. The well-preserved fossil shows the mammal gripping the jaw of the larger dinosaur and biting into its ribs.
Researchers studying ancient bird fossils discovered that molting, the process of shedding and regrowing feathers, was more complex than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on how ancient birds, including those that survived the mass extinction event, developed this crucial survival strategy.
A 225-million-year-old Brazilian fossil provides the oldest evidence of air sacs in dinosaurs, which enabled these creatures to grow into giants. The discovery sheds light on how these structures evolved over time, contradicting previous assumptions about their development.
A new armoured dinosaur, Vectipelta barretti, has been described from the Isle of Wight, revealing differences in neck and back vertebrae and a unique spiky armour. The discovery provides new insights into ankylosaur diversity in the Wessex formation during the Early Cretaceous period.
A new species of dinosaur, Iani smithi, has been discovered in Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation, providing insights into how dinosaurs weathered ecological change during the mid-Cretaceous period. The discovery suggests that several major groups of dinosaurs survived into the early Late Cretaceous despite the changes.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered a British dinosaur tooth that doesn't match any known spinosaur species, revealing hidden diversity in the region's Wealden Supergroup. The study confirms that distinct and distantly related spinosaur types lived in southern England during Early Cretaceous times.
A newly described species of pachycephalosaur, Platytholus clemensi, has been found to have a keratin bristle structure atop its dome. The discovery was made using CT scans and microscopic analyses of fossilized slices through the skull.
A study by Lund University researchers reveals that visual perspective taking, a crucial social skill, originated in the dinosaur lineage around 60 million years ago. This finding challenges the prevailing view that mammals drove the evolution of complex cognition.
A new spinosaurid dinosaur species, Protathlitis cinctorrensis, has been identified in Spain, revealing insights into the evolutionary history of medium-to-large bodied spinosaurids. The discovery estimates the specimen to be around 10-11 meters long and suggests that spinosaurids may have originated in Europe before migrating to Afric...
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.
Scientists have discovered where the first butterflies originated and which plants they relied on for food, tracing their movements through time. The results show that butterflies first appeared in Central and western North America, with some groups traveling vast distances while others remained stationary.
A new species of Jurassic pliosaur has been discovered that may have grown up to 14.4 meters in length, twice the size of a killer whale. The discovery was made using vertebrae found in an Oxfordshire museum and published in the Proceedings of the Geologists' Association.
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.
A nearly complete sauropod dinosaur skull was discovered in Queensland, Australia, providing valuable insights into the species' anatomy and relationships to other sauropods. The analysis revealed similarities between the 'Ann' skull and that of a titanosaur, suggesting that Diamantinasaurus was one of the most primitive titanosaurs.