Articles tagged with Dinosaurs
Researchers discovered that hadrosaurs and other dinosaurs have a unique trabecular bone structure capable of supporting large weights, different from mammals and birds. This adaptation allowed them to carry massive loads without excessive skeletal weight.
A recent study challenges the notion that birds evolved rapidly following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. Instead, researchers found that bird skull evolution actually slowed down compared to non-avian dinosaurs. This slower pace of evolution is attributed to adaptations in beak shape and size.
A new study confirms Deinosuchus had the head size and jaw strength to prey on dinosaurs. The massive creature lived in North America during the late Cretaceous period, up to 33 feet in length, making it one of the largest crocodylian genera ever in existence.
The study reveals a remarkable genetic connection between the tuatara, a reptile that lived with dinosaurs, and mammals such as platypus and echidna. The genome analysis shows an unusual combination of mammalian and reptilian components, with some sequences similar to those found in platypus.
An international team sequenced the complete genome of the tuatara, a lizard-like creature that lives on New Zealand's islands. The study reveals that tuataras have fewer DNA substitutions over time than other reptiles, making them unique in terms of molecular evolution.
Researchers at Royal Ontario Museum and McMaster University diagnosed osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, in a Centrosaurus apertus dinosaur fossil. The diagnosis was made possible by advanced imaging techniques and microscopic analysis of the fossil bone.
The study reanalyzed fossils of Pisanosaurus and dated rocks from the Ischigualasto Formation, finding that Ornithiscians and Saurischians first appeared and diverged around the same time. The researchers also found that the period over which the formation was deposited overlaps with the Chinle Formation in North America.
Researchers analyzed over 2,300 fossil bones and found over 400 marks left by insects and snails, shedding light on paleo diversity and climate of the Jurassic period. The high number of insect traces suggests that dinosaur carcasses remained unburied for an extended period, providing valuable insights into prehistoric stench.
A recent study reveals that the Carnian Pluvial Episode, a period of intense warming and humidity, occurred globally, particularly in South America. The research suggests that this global climate event may have spurred the emergence of early dinosaurs.
A small fossil jawbone from Alaska represents a rare example of juvenile dromaeosaurid dinosaur remains from the Arctic, providing clues to the history of dinosaur dispersal between continents. The study suggests that some dinosaurs likely nested in the far north, contradicting previous theories about their migration patterns.
A new analysis of Dilophosaurus fossils reveals the largest land animal of its time had much in common with modern birds, including powerful muscles and air-filled bones. The study also sheds light on how Dilophosaurus evolved and its place in the family tree.
Researchers report a small fossil reptile named Kongonaphon kely, related to dinosaurs and pterosaurs, which suggests that these giant animals originated from extremely small ancestors. The analysis of body size evolution and fossil wear indicates a diet of insects.
A newly described species from Madagascar suggests that dinosaurs and pterosaurs originated from extremely small ancestors. The discovery sheds light on the origins of flight in pterosaurs and the presence of 'fuzz' on the skin of both groups.
Researchers tracked guineafowl movement using X-ray technology to study foot patterns below ground. They found that despite varying substrates, the birds' foot movement remained consistent, suggesting fossilized dinosaur tracks could be from the same species.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that asteroid impact caused an impact winter decades long, decimating dinosaur habitats worldwide. In contrast, volcanic eruptions had a limited effect on global ecosystems.
Scientists have found that the first dinosaurs laid soft-shelled eggs, contradicting long-held assumptions. The study analyzed the eggs of two non-avian dinosaurs and found they resembled those of turtles in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties.
A study by Kapitány and colleagues examines how children evaluate different types of non-real people or figures relative to one another. The results show that most children conceptualize the thirteen figures into four groups, with cultural figures like Santa and the Tooth Fairy ranked highly as 'real'.
Researchers discovered ancient crocodile footprints with evidence of bipedalism, similar to that of dinosaurs. The discovery suggests that these prehistoric creatures may have walked upright on their hind legs.
A new study has announced the discovery of well-preserved 110-120-million-year-old footprints belonging to a large bipedal ancestor of modern-day crocodiles from South Korea's Jinju Formation. The tracks suggest that these ancient animals were 3-4 meters long and walked on two legs.
Palaeontologists from St Petersburg University have created the most detailed virtual 3D-model of the endocranial cast and blood vessels of the head of an ankylosaurian. They found that ankylosaurs had a unique cooling system, an extremely developed sense of smell, and could hear low-frequency sounds.
Researchers have discovered that a nodosaur, an armoured dinosaur, primarily ate fern leaves, with 88% of its stomach contents composed of chewed leaf material. The team found evidence of specific fern species, including those that grow in fire-scarred landscapes, suggesting the dinosaur adapted to exploit post-fire vegetation.
A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth has discovered a unique pterodactyl jaw fragment in Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight, which is remarkably similar to previously found 'tapejarid' fossils in China and Brazil. The specimen, named Wightia declivirostris, lacks teeth and features distinctive sensory organs.
A team of researchers found that dinosaur skulls from northern Alaska belong to the genus Edmontosaurus, not a newly proposed genus. The discovery suggests these plant-eating dinosaurs existed over a broad range, extending from northern Colorado to the Arctic.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London has shown that distinguishing between male and female dinosaurs is challenging due to limited sexual dimorphism. Researchers analyzed skulls from gharials to identify sex differences, finding only the presence of a bony growth on snouts to be reliable.
A new study by an international team from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science confirms that Arctic Alaskan hadrosaurs belong to the genus Edmontosaurus, a previously recognized duck-billed dinosaur. The finding reveals that Edmontosaurus had a huge geographical distribution spanning approximately 60 degrees of latitude in North Amer...
Scientists found a correlation between pack hunting and dietary diversity, which is rare in animals that hunt in groups. The study suggests raptors likely only hunted solo or with limited cooperation.
The discovery of a Spinosaurus skeleton in Morocco reveals unique swimming adaptations, changing the understanding of dinosaur ecology. The analysis suggests that Spinosaurus was an actively aquatic predator, hunting prey in rivers using tail-propelled locomotion.
Scientists studied fossil vertebrae of a giant teenage shark, discovering it grew to 4-7m and lived 30 years. This rare find suggests ptychodontid sharks may have faced environmental changes that led to their demise.
Researchers reconstructed 3D models of baby dinosaur skulls, revealing they develop in the same order as modern reptiles. The embryos were found to be fossilized at approximately 60% through their incubation period, much earlier than previously thought.
A new pterosaur species has been discovered in Morocco, belonging to the tapejarid group and characterized by its large crest and broad wingspan. The discovery is significant as it marks the first time a pterosaur has been found on African soil.
A new feathered dinosaur species, Dineobellator notohesperus, has been discovered in New Mexico, providing insights into the paleo-biodiversity of the American Southwest. The species, a member of the dromaeosaurid group, had feathers, flexible arms and hands, and a unique tail with a stiffened base.
An international team of scientists has discovered three new species of toothed pterosaurs in the Sahara region of Africa, providing a unique window into their evolutionary history. The fossils, found in Morocco's middle Cretaceous Kem Kem beds, reveal that African pterosaurs were similar to those found on other continents.
Three new species of toothed pterosaurs have been identified in Africa, providing a window into the world of pterosaurs during the Cretaceous period. The fossils suggest that these flying reptiles were similar to those found on other continents and preyed on a superabundance of fish.
A new study published in Geology found that Late Cretaceous ecosystems in North America were characterized by diverse and mixed diets, with resource interchange between aquatic and terrestrial components being common. The research used stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the diets and habitat use of dinosaurs and other animals, cont...
A team of palaeontologists has discovered stegosaur fossil footprints on the Isle of Skye, shedding light on dinosaur diversity in the Middle Jurassic period. The findings reveal that stegosaurs roamed the island around 170 million years ago and provide a clearer picture of Scotland's dinosaur evolution during this time.
The discovery of Oculudentavis khaungraae, a tiny bird-like skull found in Burmese amber, reveals new insights into bird evolution. The specimen's unique anatomical features suggest a never-before-seen combination of features, including a diurnal lifestyle and surprising similarities to modern lizards.
Researchers have discovered remarkably well-preserved cartilage cells linked by an intercellular bridge and containing internal dark structures morphologically consistent with chromosomes. The team also found evidence of original molecules preserved in the dinosaur's cartilage, including a reaction to antibodies of Collagen II.
Research team led by Professor Hagit Affek analyzed chemical bonds in calcium carbonate minerals from fossilized eggs to calculate body temperatures of dinosaurs. Their study found that dinosaur body temperatures ranged from 35-40 degrees Celsius, suggesting endothermic characteristics.
Researchers discovered a rare disease called Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in the fossilized tail of a young dinosaur that lived in Canada 60 million years ago. The study found that the disease has survived for over 60 million years and still affects humans, particularly children under 10.
A single primitive turtle species, Laurasichersis relicta, survived the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs 66 million years ago in the northern hemisphere. The turtle's unique shell features and armor-like spikes allowed it to thrive in humid environments with forest areas.
A study published in PLOS ONE describes five trackways containing 25 footprints from three types of animals: small synapsids, large dinosaurs, and quadrupedal dinosaurs. The fossils suggest that a variety of animals survived the intense environmental stress caused by volcanic activity.
Scientists investigate three 67 million year old oviraptorid egg fossils, determining that the embryos were at different developmental stages and likely hatched at different times. The findings suggest a unique nesting biology similar to modern birds, challenging previous assumptions about oviraptorids.
The newly discovered Asfaltoventor vialidadi from Patagonia exhibits a unique blend of skeletal traits, challenging current understanding of tetanuran relationships. This finding supports the concept of evolutionary experimentation during periods of rapid diversification and mass extinctions.
A newly discovered penguin species, Kupoupou stilwelli, found on Chatham Island has proportions close to its modern relatives, indicating it waddled on land. The 62.5-60 million-year-old fossil provides insight into the evolution of early penguins and their adaptation to subtropical seas.
Researchers found that herbivorous dinosaurs developed similar skull features and bite styles, such as elongated skulls and grinding teeth, in response to eating plants. These convergent evolutionary strategies suggest a trade-off between biting speed and efficiency for these slow-moving animals.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the meat-eating dinosaur Majungasaurus grew new teeth rapidly, possibly due to gnawing on bones. This rapid tooth replacement rate puts Majungasaurus in the same league as sharks and big herbivorous dinosaurs.
Researchers found that Majungasaurus grew new teeth roughly two to 13 times faster than other carnivorous dinosaurs, replacing them every couple of months. This rapid tooth growth may have been due to the need to gnaw on bones to ingest certain nutrients, requiring exceptionally strong teeth.
Researchers have found a well-preserved Styracosaurus skull with asymmetrical horns, challenging traditional identification methods. The discovery reveals morphological variability in dinosaur skulls, leading to reevaluation of previously assumed species.
Fossilized dinosaur and bird feathers from Australia provide the first record of feathered polar dinosaurs, showing diversity of proto-feathers for insulation. Microscopic analysis reveals melanosomes indicating possible dark colors for camouflage and heat absorbance in cold climates.
A study by Carole Gee and colleagues confirms equisetum's importance as a digestible and nutritious food source for herbivorous dinosaurs in Mesozoic times. The researchers found that young and growing sauropods, which require rapid growth, would have relied on equisetum as a major food source.
Researchers have discovered dozens of dinosaur footprints in Alaska's Alaskan Peninsula, revealing that high-latitude hadrosaurs preferred tidally influenced habitats. The findings provide insights into the habitat preferences of these highly successful herbivores and their role in shaping ancient ecosystems.
In the Triassic period, early mammal ancestors (therapsids) turned to a nocturnal lifestyle to overcome thermoregulation challenges. Their rapid endothermy led to elevated body temperatures, posing a risk to sperm quality. By becoming active at night, these mammals could preserve sperm quality.
Ancient rauisuchian fossils found in southern Africa reveal that these croc-like predators fed on vegetarian dinosaurs during the Triassic period. The discovery sheds light on how these carnivores thrived in a region close to the Antarctic Circle, challenging previous assumptions about their physiology.
A fossil study reconstructs the avian palate of Sapeornis chaoyangensis, shedding light on cranial kinesis. The research suggests that cranial kinesis may have facilitated the diversification and evolutionary success of Neognathae lineage.
Scientists confirm scenario that dinosaurs died due to global cooling after asteroid impact, with rocks recording wildfires and sulfur absence within 24 hours. The research provides the most detailed look yet into the aftermath of the catastrophe.
A new herbivorous hadrosaurid dinosaur, Kamuysaurus japonicus, has been discovered in Japan with three distinct features. The dinosaur, measuring 8 meters long and weighing up to 5.3 tons, is closely related to other Edmontosaurini clade species.
A new hadrosaur species, Kamuysaurus japonicus, discovered in Japan's Hakobuchi Formation, reveals insights into hadrosaur diversity and evolution during the Late Cretaceous Period. The 72-million-year-old specimen showcases unique features, such as a small crest and forward-pointing neural spines.
Researchers found a significant increase in oxygen levels in ancient rocks, possibly setting the stage for dinosaur expansion into tropical regions. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary diversification of dinosaurs during a critical period.
New research on Psittacosaurus reveals changes in brain shape and posture as the animal grows from baby to adult. The study shows that Psittacosaurus started on all fours but switched to bipedalism around two or three years old.
A new species of early dinosaur, Ngwevu intloko, has been discovered after being misidentified in the university's fossil vaults. The dinosaur is a bipedal sauropodomorph with a long slender neck and small head, measuring three metres from snout to tail.