Articles tagged with Dinosaurs
Groundbreaking study establishes a timeline for dinosaur incubation, suggesting 3-6 months. Researchers analyzed dinosaur embryo fossils using CT scans and microscopes to determine growth lines on teeth.
Two new horned dinosaur tribes, Nasutoceratopsini and Centrosaurini, have been named by scientists. The new tribes are characterized by distinct skull features, with Nasutoceratopsini having large shields extending from their skulls and shorter jaws than Centrosaurini.
A new study describes an early marsupial relative called Didelphodon vorax with the strongest bite force of any mammal ever recorded. It had a powerful bite and could eat a variety of foods, including small dinosaurs.
Researchers discovered that early dinosaurs had a far higher level of variation in growth patterns than birds and crocodiles. This variation may have allowed them to survive harsh environmental challenges, but its evolutionary origin remains unclear.
Researchers have discovered a new lagerpetid and saurischian dinosaur together, providing insights into the evolution of dinosaurs. The findings suggest that dinosaurs and their precursors coexisted during the earliest stages of dinosaurs' rise, contradicting previous theories.
A well-preserved dinosaur fossil discovered in southern China provides valuable insights into the evolution of a family of feathered dinosaurs before the mass extinction event. The discovery, named Tongtianlong limosus, sheds light on how these creatures diversified and flourished just before their extinction.
A 75-million-year-old Mongolian oviraptor fossil preserved the original keratinous claw sheath that covered its digits. The study adds to evidence that organic materials can preserve over time, revealing details about how proteins might be preserved.
Researchers reconstructed the body cavity volume in over 120 tetrapods and found that herbivores have twice as large bodies as carnivores of similar size. The study reveals a fundamental difference in morphological principles between mammals and other tetrapods, with possible implications for respiratory systems.
A genuine fossilized brain from a 133 million-year-old dinosaur has been discovered in Sussex, England, revealing remarkable preservation of the fine network of blood vessels. The brain structure and meningeal arrangement show striking similarity to modern birds and crocodilians, suggesting functional parallels.
Paleontologists discover dinosaur bones and trackways in Denali National Park, providing new insights into the region's ancient ecosystem. The finds are significant as they confirm the presence of dinosaur fossils in the area, supporting the hypothesis that a distinct polar fauna existed during the Late Cretaceous Period.
The discovery of a 66-million-year-old bird fossil in Antarctica reveals the oldest known syrinx, a vocal organ that produces bird calls. The finding indicates that this organ may have originated late in the evolution of birds, suggesting that other dinosaurs were unable to produce similar sounds.
A newly described species of extinct reptile from the Triassic period in Texas had a strikingly dome-shaped head, similar to that of dinosaurs. The study found internal partitions or zones in the skull, which were similar to those of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs.
A team of paleontologists identified a new species of extinct reptile, Triopticus primus, estimated to be 230 million years old. The fossil bears an extremely thickened skull roof similar to pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and many other extinct animals resemble later dinosaurs.
Researchers reconstructed the color pattern of Psittacosaurus, a well-preserved dinosaur species. The findings suggest that it likely lived in a forest environment with diffuse light, and its countershading camouflage was effective against predators.
A team of paleontologists has assigned a new genus to the largest predatory dinosaur ever found in Germany, dating back to the Middle Jurassic. The fossil, named Wiehenvenator albati, is estimated to be around 8-10 meters long and weighs over 2 tons.
A research team from Hokkaido University suggests the Cuban solenodon family evolved around 59 million years ago, long after the dinosaur extinction. The species diverged from its ancestor and then traveled to Cuba via water, contradicting earlier theories.
A new study reveals that plant-eating ornithopod dinosaurs experienced four evolutionary bursts, with improved jaws and efficiency playing a key role. Despite rapid plant evolution during the Mesozoic, these herbivores remained successful, with some species even specializing in conifer digestion.
Researchers discovered that closed-mouth vocalization evolved at least 16 times in archosaurs, including birds and crocodiles. This behavior is often used for mating displays or territorial defense, producing sounds that are typically quieter and lower in pitch than those made through an open beak.
The study found that the distinctive ball-and-socket vertebrae arrangement in sauropods allowed for greater flexibility and reduced stress on the spine. This design enabled the evolution of long-necked sauropod dinosaurs, which reached lengths of over 100 feet and weighed up to 70 metric tons.
Researchers discovered a non-cancerous facial tumor in the fossilized jaw of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a primitive duck-billed dinosaur, providing evidence that dinosaurs were prone to tumors. The discovery sheds new light on ancient diseases and tumours in extinct species.
New research suggests mammals evolved and diversified after the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, contradicting a long-held scientific theory. Fossil records support this finding, which was achieved by recalibrating DNA evolution rates using reliable fossil data.
Researchers found placental mammals evolved at a constant rate before the extinction event but accelerated rapidly after, resulting in diverse modern groups like bats and cats. The team analyzed fossils from the Cretaceous to present day, finding a massive spike in evolution rates after dinosaur extinction.
Nine massive neck vertebrae discovered in Texas reveal new details about the giant sauropod Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, shedding light on its relationships and migration to southern North America. The fossils are permanently exhibited at Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
A study of over 6,000 Antarctic marine fossils reveals a dramatic 65-70% reduction in species 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end of the Cretaceous Period and the extinction of dinosaurs. The research suggests that the mass extinction event was just as rapid and severe in polar regions as elsewhere on Earth.
Researchers analyzed CT scans of Pawpawsaurus's skull and found its sense of smell was sharper than some dinosaur predators but less keen than Ankylosaurus. The dinosaur lacked a club tail, but its enlarged nasal cavity may have helped it detect prey or avoid predators.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified in Montana, featuring sideways-protruding horns and unique bony spikes. The fossil discovery provides insights into the Late Cretaceous period's dinosaur diversity and highlights the importance of dietary specializations.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified with a unique 'spiked shield' on its head frill. The dinosaur lived around 76 million years ago and showed signs of arthritis and bone infection.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Machairoceratops cronusi, has been discovered in southern Utah with distinctive back spikes. The discovery increases known centrosaurine diversity and may provide insights into the early evolutionary history of horned dinosaurs.
Researchers discovered an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and dung beetles, with the first molecular evidence indicating their origins in the Lower Cretaceous period. The study suggests that the incorporation of flowering plants in dinosaurs' diet led to a new niche for evolution.
The discovery of a young Rapetosaurus dinosaur provides insights into the early lives of sauropod giants. The findings suggest that these animals developed quickly to function on their own, similar to birds and herding mammals.
Scientists have discovered a new species of titanosaurian dinosaur, Sarmientosaurus musacchioi, with a complete skull and partial neck fossil from Argentina. The study found that the brain was small relative to its body but showed greater sensory capabilities, including enhanced vision and hearing.
Researchers used network theory to depict dinosaur movement worldwide, finding some regions, like Europe, had extensive fossil records. The study also showed that all connections between Europe and other continents during the Early Cretaceous period were out-going.
Researchers found that bird-like dinosaurs with toothless beaks were able to survive on seeds after the meteor impact, while those with teeth went extinct abruptly. The study suggests that dietary adaptations played a crucial role in the survival of modern birds.
A team of researchers from Cardiff University has provided new evidence on how deep sea creatures survived the asteroid strike that wiped out the dinosaurs. The study found that some forms of algae and bacteria were living in the aftermath of the disaster, providing a slow trickle of food for creatures near the seafloor.
New research on Asilisaurus fossils reveals that early dinosaurs grew at a faster rate than previously thought and didn't follow the expected pattern of size being a predictor of maturity. The study found that muscle scars on fossil bones were more related to growth patterns than sex differences.
Researchers used computer models to analyze the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs' bodies, finding that changes in shape coincided with major events in their history. The study reveals a link between size, weight distribution, and body shape, shedding light on the success of titanosaurs.
A newly discovered species of horse-sized dinosaur provides key insights into the evolution of Tyrannosaurus rex as a top predator. The discovery reveals that tyrannosaurs developed huge body sizes rapidly at the end of the age of dinosaurs, with their keen senses enabling them to dominate the food chain.
A newly discovered dinosaur, Timurlengia euotica, lived about 90 million years ago and fills a 20 million-year gap in the fossil record of tyrannosaurs. The species had developed keen senses and cognitive abilities, including low-frequency hearing, which positioned it to take advantage of opportunities to reach the top of its food chain.
Scientists from three Brazilian universities and one UK university discovered a new fossil reptile, Teyujagua paradoxa, which lived 250 million years ago. The species is intermediate between primitive reptiles and archosauriforms, a group that includes dinosaurs and birds.
A newly discovered Microwhip scorpion fossil from the Mesozoic period has been found in Burmese amber. The fossil, named Electrokoenenia yaksha, is a tiny, yellowish creature that lived alongside dinosaurs 100 million years ago.
Marina Suarez aims to understand how the Earth functions with high levels of carbon dioxide and how it recovers from extreme conditions. Her research in paleoclimatology will inform current studies on climate change, a pressing global concern.
A new study of fossil tracks in northern China suggests that sauropod dinosaurs were walking, not swimming, despite previous theories. The tracks, dating back over 120 million years, show four or five claw marks at the front and are matched perfectly by the feet of medium-sized sauropod dinosaurs.
Two new fossil fish species of Rhinconichthys have been discovered from the Cretaceous Period, with a greatly expanded geographical range. The newly named R. purgatoirensis and R. uyenoi have tripled the number of species in the genus.
Researchers discovered a unique trumpet-like nasal passage in ancient wildebeest-like animals (Rusingoryx atopocranion), similar to that of hadrosaur dinosaurs. The finding suggests that the animals may have used vocalizations to communicate over large distances, potentially making their calls safer from predators.
An international team of researchers embarks on a monthlong expedition to Antarctica in search of ancient fossils, hoping to answer questions about the origins of modern bird and mammal groups. The team aims to uncover evidence of mammals from the Cretaceous period, which could shed light on evolutionary diversifications in Antarctica.
A new species of duck-billed dinosaur, Eotrachodon orientalis, has been identified from the Appalachian region, providing insight into its origins and dispersal. The discovery sheds light on how these dinosaurs spread across the world after the seaway lowered, opening a land corridor to western North America.
A team of researchers tracked a rare 66-million-year-old tyrannosaur footprint trail in Wyoming, shedding new light on the dinosaur's speed and hunting habits. The study suggests that even young tyrannosaurs were capable of rapid movement, challenging previous theories about their sluggish nature.
Researchers have published the results of their scientific findings on a juvenile Chasmosaurus, one of the rarest dinosaur discoveries. The study provides new insights into the evolution and life history of horned dinosaurs.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that Protoceratops' large bony frill increased in size as the animal matured, suggesting it played a role in attracting mates. The study provides the first demonstration of sexual selection in dinosaurs and sheds light on the evolution of ornamental structures.
A study led by CU Denver professor Martin Lockley found evidence of dinosaur mating displays in 100 million-year-old rocks. The discovery provides physical proof of courtship behavior in dinosaurs, filling a missing gap in our understanding of their behavior.
The study analyzed the fossil record and found a burst of evolution into new forms, followed by specialization that resulted in modern mammal groups. The team built an updated tree of life containing over 177 species, revealing a significant increase in mammal diversity after the extinction event.
A new species of 'sail-backed' dinosaur, Morelladon beltrani, has been found in Spain with notable features such as tall neural spines on vertebrae. The discovery sheds light on the diverse iguanodontoid fauna of southern Europe during the late Barremian period.
Scientists have uncovered a new, 160 million-year-old ceratopsian dinosaur from China with an 'ornamental' texture on its skull. The fossil, named Hualianceratops wucaiwanensis, provides insights into the early evolution of Ceratopsia and suggests that at least five ceratopsian lineages may have emerged during this period.
Researchers have discovered a new species of plant-eating dinosaur, Hualianceratops wucaiwanensis, that sheds light on the ceratopsian family tree. The findings suggest that Jurassic period dinosaurs may have had more species diversity than previously thought, with at least four lineages present by the beginning of the Jurassic Period.
Scientists have reevaluated the emergence of early dinosaur relatives and their connection to the first dinosaurs. The new findings suggest a shorter time gap between the two, dating back around 234-236 million years, contradicting previous estimates.
A newly discovered collection of rare dinosaur tracks in Scotland is helping scientists shed light on some of the biggest animals to have lived on land. The footprints, made by plant-eating sauropods around 170 million years ago, suggest these dinosaurs grew to at least 15 meters in length and weighed over 10 tonnes.
A rare fossil from eastern North America of a dog-sized horned dinosaur has been identified by a scientist at the University of Bath. The discovery highlights an east-west divide in North American dinosaur evolution, suggesting that dinosaurs in Appalachia evolved differently from those in western North America.
Researchers have reclassified a Canadian 'dinosaur' fossil as Dimetrodon borealis, featuring distinctive blade-like teeth. The discovery sheds new light on the animal's relationship to mammals and dinosaurs, and provides insight into its evolutionary history.
A new short-crested lizard, Probrachylophosaurus bergei, has been found in Montana, exhibiting an intermediate nasal crest between non-crested ancestors and larger crests of adult Brachylophosaurus. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of dinosaur species and sheds light on the transitional forms between different groups.
Paleontologists discover two new transitional species of duckbilled dinosaurs with intermediate characteristics, suggesting a shift in growth patterns and development over time. The findings provide insights into the evolution of hadrosaurid dinosaurs, highlighting the importance of heterochrony in understanding evolutionary processes.