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Ancient African topography remotely modulated the South Asian summer monsoon millions of years ago

Researchers have discovered that changes in African topography led to enhanced South Asian summer monsoon precipitation during the Early to Middle Miocene. This phenomenon was driven by altered atmospheric circulation patterns and moisture transport, resulting in increased convective activity and strengthening of the monsoon. The findi...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 23, 2026
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Fossils reveal anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years

A University of Cambridge-led team analyzed giant anaconda fossils to determine their maximum size occurred 12.4 million years ago. The study found that ancient anacondas were four to five metres long, matching the size of modern anacondas, suggesting they have remained giants due to a suitable environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 1, 2025

The cacao tree species (Theobroma cacao L.), from which we get chocolate, is likely about 7.5 million years old, with chloroplast genomes indicating that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs

Researchers analyzed chloroplast genomes of cacao trees from northern Peru to determine the species' age and diversity. The study found that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs, approximately 7.5 million years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 5, 2025

Reconstructing ancient climate provides clues to climate change

A 15-year study of an ancient ecosystem in Bolivia provides a comprehensive view of the Earth's past, revealing warmer temperatures and lower elevation. The team found fossils of diverse animals and plants, reconstructing the site as a dry forest or wooded savanna with palms and bamboos.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPalaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology·DateNov 4, 2024

Ancient sea cow attacked by a crocodile and sharks sheds new light on prehistoric food chains

A team of experts discovered a dugongine sea cow attacked by an ancient crocodile and tiger shark, shedding light on prehistoric food chains. The fossils showed signs of both active predation and scavenging, providing new insights into the region's food chain networks during the Miocene epoch.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024
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Tiny new species of great ape lived in Germany 11 million years ago

A new species of great ape, Buronius manfredschmidi, has been identified from the Hammerschmiede fossil site in Bavaria, Germany. The species is estimated to have weighed around 10kg and had a distinct lifestyle from the larger-bodied Danuvius, allowing for cohabitation without resource competition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2024

A turtle time capsule: DNA found in ancient shell

A team of paleontologists has discovered the oldest record of sea turtle DNA in a fossil shell from Panama's Caribbean coast. The findings, published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, date back approximately 6 million years to the upper Miocene Epoch.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateSep 28, 2023

Miocene period fossil forest of Wataria found in Japan

A research team from Hokkaido University has found an exceptionally preserved fossil forest of Wataria parvipora, which was predominantly accompanied by Byttneriophyllum leaves. The discovery helps reconstruct a whole Eurasian plant from the late Miocene epoch and sheds light on the taxonomic identity of plants.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2023
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Researchers probe paleoelevation history of northern Tibet plateau

Researchers used pollen records from four montane conifers to estimate past elevation of northern Tibet Plateau, revealing rapid uplift during the Middle to Late Miocene epochs. The study supports prevailing theoretical models of Tibet Plateau formation and highlights its impact on atmospheric water vapor transport and rainfall patterns.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2022

New discovery of panda species which may have been Europe’s last

A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJul 31, 2022

Life in the "dead" heart of Australia

A team of Australian and international scientists has discovered a valuable new fossil site in New South Wales, containing exceptional examples of fossils from the Miocene epoch. The site, named McGraths Flat, provides insights into the history of the Australian continent and its ecosystems.

SourceAustralian Museum·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 7, 2022
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Researchers describe new tardigrade fossil found in 16 million year old Domincan amber

Researchers describe a new modern-looking tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, found in Miocene Dominican amber. The study reveals unique foregut organization and contributes to the scant tardigrade fossil record, providing insight into the ancient superfamily Isohypsibioidea.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021

Researchers describe new large prehistoric shark

A new extinct shark species, Megalolamna paradoxodon, was identified from fossilized teeth in the eastern and western United States, Peru, and Japan. The shark lived during the early Miocene epoch and is a close cousin of the megatoothed lineage, with characteristics similar to the modern-day salmon shark.

SourceDePaul University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 3, 2016