Articles tagged with Fossils
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.
A new study has uncovered a 520-million-year-old fossil that preserves the internal organs of an early ancestor of modern insects, spiders, and crabs. The fossil, named Youti yuanshi, provides key clues about the evolutionary steps required for simple worm-like creatures to transform into sophisticated arthropod body plans.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln examines fossil records going back 66 million years, tracking changes in mammalian ecosystems and species diversity. The research reveals that following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, mammalian communities experienced a surge in functional diversity for 10 million years.
Scientists at the University of Malaga have uncovered a natural quicksand trap in the 'elephant graveyard' of Orce, dated to over 1.4 million years ago. The discovery provides insights into human presence in Western Europe and competition with large carrion hyenas for meat resources.
A new species of extinct crocodile relative, Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis, has been discovered in Nevada, USA. The species reveals that pseudosuchian archosaurs ruled the shores across the Middle Triassic globe between 247.2 and 237 million years ago.
Scientists have discovered three new extinct walnut species on a Canadian island above the Arctic Circle, preserved in a unique form of fossilization known as mummification. The fossils provide valuable information about the Earth's climate and ecosystems during the middle Eocene period, when forests covered the region.
A new study using museum collections reveals that ammonites were diverse and thriving across the globe just before their extinction in the Late Cretaceous. The research found that the balance of speciation and extinction rates varied by region, contradicting previous theories.
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.
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.
A 6-centimeter-wide fossil of a large cat species, Homotherium, was discovered on the Texas coast. The fossil provided key evidence for the cat's expansion across habitats in Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.
Australian researchers have identified a new species of ancient 'echidnapus', which exhibits platypus-like anatomy alongside echidna-like features. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of monotremes, revealing six different egg-laying mammals living together in the same area over 100 million years ago.
Scientists discovered a bizarre arachnid with up-armored legs in the Mazon Creek locality in Illinois, dating back to the Carboniferous period. The fossil, named Douglassarachne acanthopoda, has a unique body plan that defies categorization into known arachnid orders.
Researchers identify fossil from Fezouata Shale as ancestor of modern arthropods, solving long-standing paleontological mystery. The discovery fills a gap in the evolutionary tree of life and provides insights into early chelicerate evolution.
A new study reveals the presence of previously unknown species at Kromdraai archaeological site in South Africa, providing unprecedented insights into human evolution. The discovery highlights the complexity of ancient ecosystems and their influence on hominin development.
Researchers found that baby teeth alongside permanent saber teeth provided stability and protection during the growth process. The 'double-fang' stage lasted up to 30 months, allowing young cats to experiment and learn how to hunt without damaging their sabers.
Researchers at University College Cork discovered fossil frogs with preserved skin remnants, shedding light on their adaptation to life on land. The study found that the excellent preservation of the fossils is due to the replication of ancient skin structures in calcium phosphate.
Researchers have discovered a new species of ancient snake, Vasuki Indicus, which lived around 47 million years ago in India. The snake is estimated to be between 10.9 and 15.2 meters long, making it one of the largest snakes to have ever existed.
A new reconstruction of the 375-million-year-old fossil fish Tiktaalik reveals that its ribs likely attached to its pelvis, enabling support of the body and potentially leading to the evolution of walking. This discovery provides insights into the major evolutionary transition from fish to four-limbed vertebrates.
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.
The discovery of two newly described fossils from the Jurassic period has provided fresh insights into the early evolution of mammals. The fossils, which include well-preserved skeletal remains of shuotheriids, have allowed scientists to solve a longstanding problem in understanding mammalian tooth shape.
A researcher at Ohio State University resolves historical inconsistencies in the name of a popular fossil, confirming that Thomas Jefferson named the genus correctly. The correct name helps ensure accurate documentation of the history of life on Earth and its implications for science.
Researchers have uncovered a 270-million-year-old ancient amphibian ancestor in the Smithsonian's collection, naming it Kermitops gratus in honor of Kermit the Frog. The fossilized skull possesses unique features that shed light on the origin of living frogs and other amphibians.
A new species of freshwater dolphin, Pebanista yacuruna, was found in the Peruvian Amazon region and is dated to be 16 million years old. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of freshwater dolphins, revealing a deep connection with South Asian river dolphins.
Scientists have discovered a new species of aetosaur, a heavily armored cousin of modern crocodiles, with an intact armor suit. The suit, called a carapace, is about 70% complete and has unique features that distinguish it from other aetosaurs.
A new study has analyzed fossil records of marine invertebrates over the past 485 million years, identifying key traits that affect resilience to extinction. The research suggests that species with restricted thermal ranges are at greatest risk, and global biodiversity faces a harrowing future.
Scientists have discovered the oldest fossilized forest on Earth, dating back 390 million years, in the Devon and Somerset coast of South West England. The fossils, known as Calamophyton, are a 'prototype' of modern trees, with characteristics such as hollow trunks and twig-like structures.
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 team of researchers has unveiled over 200 well-preserved fossils from Queensland's Black Mountain, revealing intricate siphuncle morphology in Plectronoceratids. The discovery challenges previous interpretations and advocates for a revised taxonomy, consolidating multiple species under the order Plectronoceratida.
A controversy in the 1920s pitted American paleontologists against emerging Chinese scientific nationalists over the ownership of fossils. The Americans claimed that fossils were universal and could be exported, while the Chinese argued that they should be viewed as local, contingent property.
A 280-million-year-old fossil, thought to show soft tissue preservation, is found to be a forgery after new examination. The body outline was artificially created, likely to enhance the appearance of the fossil, while the bones of the hindlimbs and tiny bony scales are genuine.
A new study quantifies the impact of great fossil sites on our understanding of evolutionary relationships between fossil groups, discovering that the Gobi Desert's well-preserved lizard record shapes understanding more than any other site. The study's findings highlight the importance of exceptional fossil preservation in shaping our ...
Scientists have found polyene pigments in fossilized snail shells that are 12 million years old, providing the world's first evidence of intact pigments in fossils. The discovery was made possible by analyzing the pigments using Raman spectroscopy and sheds new light on the chemical composition of ancient organisms.
The Cabrières Biota, a new fossil site in southern France, has revealed unprecedented information on polar ecosystems during the Ordovician period. The discovery of over 400 fossils provides insights into the composition of southernmost ecosystems and serves as a refuge for species that escaped high temperatures.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of complex microbial communities existing in ecosystems over 3 billion years ago, with a diverse carbon cycle involving various microorganisms. The study provides a rare glimpse into the Earth's early ecosystems and advances our understanding of ancient microbial ecosystems.
A team of researchers, led by Jordan Crowell and Stephen Chester, used modern CT scan technology to analyze the only known preserved picrodontid skull, revealing that they are not closely related to primates. The study highlights the importance of revisiting old specimens with updated techniques to examine them.
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.
Researchers find complex microbial communities forming giant mounds of rock in a harsh desert environment, resembling ancient stromatolites. The discovery provides an unprecedented look at the earliest stages of life on Earth and may hold clues about life on Mars.
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.
Researchers uncover 10 new trilobite species in Thai sanctuary, shedding light on Cambrian-Ordovician period and connecting Thailand to parts of Australia. The discovery helps date the age of fossils and better understand global geography.
Researchers recreated ancient seawater to study nutrient availability, finding a preference for metals like manganese and molybdenum. Greenalite formation removed zinc, copper, and vanadium from seawater, matching the metal choices of early lifeforms.
Researchers have successfully engineered a soft robotic replica of a 450-million-year-old marine organism, pleurocystitid, to better understand its biomechanical factors and locomotion. The study introduces the field of Paleobionics, which uses Softbotics to explore evolution and animal design.
Frogs from the genus Eleutherodactylus are geologically the oldest Caribbean vertebrates to be found in Florida. They arrived in North America much earlier than previously thought, with evidence suggesting they reached the peninsula through overwater dispersal on flotsam or other buoyant debris.
The new species of mosasaur, named after the Norse sea serpent Jormungandr, is estimated to be around 24 feet long and has a mosaic of features seen in two iconic mosasaurs. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these aquatic lizards and provides new insights into their relationships with other reptiles.
A team of scientists discovered that the Malvinoxhosan biota, a group of extinct shellfish, declined in numbers due to rising sea levels and warming climate. The research suggests that these changes led to a collapse in polar ecosystems, highlighting the vulnerability of environments to environmental shifts.
Researchers discovered early Cambrian microfossils preserving introvert musculature of cycloneuralians, a group of animals that include roundworms and horsehair worms. The preserved musculature consists of four groups of muscles, differing from basal animals in terms of topology.
Researchers found preserved molecular fragments of the pigment phaeomelanin in 10-million-year-old frog fossils, which could help reconstruct ancient animal colors. This discovery may be a first step towards understanding the evolution of toxic phaeomelanin.
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.
A 455-million-year-old fossil fish provides a new perspective on how vertebrates evolved to protect their brains. The ancient jawless fish has a unique skull with separate cartilages encasing the brain, filling a gap in the evolutionary history of the vertebrate skull.
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.
A 265-million-year-old fossil discovery in Brazil yields the oldest and largest known predator in South America, predating the rise of dinosaurs. The exquisitely preserved Pampaphoneus biccai had a skull over 40cm long and sharp canine teeth adapted for capturing prey.
A 2020 excavation at Auckland's Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant yielded an unprecedented 266 fossil species, including the world's oldest known flax snails and extinct sawshark spine. The discovery provides valuable insights into New Zealand's geological history.
A new fossil ape named Anadoluvius turkae, discovered in Türkiye, pushes the origin of African apes and humans from Europe to Asia. The findings suggest that hominines evolved in western and central Europe before migrating to Africa.
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.
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 team of scientists led by University of Alaska Fairbanks geology professor Sarah Fowell are collecting samples from beneath the sea floor to learn about vegetation and climate of region 25,000 years ago. The project will be shared via digital and social media channels.
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.
New research by University College Cork scientists finds that pterosaurs had nurturing parental style but only in larger species. The study suggests that smaller pterosaurs did not practice parental care due to the limitations of egg size.
A new study reveals that Megalodon, the iconic extinct shark, was not as fast as believed but had a mega-appetite that explained its gigantism. The discovery of tiny scales found in rock pieces surrounding fossil teeth suggests that Megalodon used its warm-bloodedness to promote visceral food processing and absorb nutrients.
Researchers reveal that Anomalocaris canadensis was likely a speedy swimmer targeting soft prey in the open water, rather than pursuing hard-shelled creatures on the ocean floor. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions about the predator's feeding behavior and highlight the complexity of Cambrian food webs.
A new study published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution suggests that animals first evolved around 574 million years ago. The researchers used advanced analytical techniques to investigate preservation conditions in Cambrian and Neoproterozoic rocks, finding that certain clays were essential for capturing early animal fossils.