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Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossils Are Being Horded by Private Buyers, Study Claims
A new study has found that the private trade in Tyrannosaurus rex fossils is hampering researchers' understanding of the iconic Cretaceous predator. Thomas Carr, an associate professor of biology at Carthage College, found that there are now more scientifically valuable T. rex specimens in private or commercial ownership than in public museums and ...
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444-Million-Year-Old Inside-Out Fossil Without Head And Legs Found In South Africa
Two fossils of an ancient arthropod named Keurbos susanae have been discovered in South Africa. The creature lived 444 million years ago during the Late Ordovician period. Its soft tissues, including muscles and guts, were found preserved but its shell, legs and head were missing. Researchers believe the species lived in low-oxygen conditions. The ...
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30,000-Year-Old Vulture Feathers Discovered, Uniquely Preserved in Volcanic Ash
Fossilized feathers of a 30,000-year-old vulture, found in volcanic ash near Rome, have been analyzed, revealing a unique preservation process. Unlike typical fossilized feathers, these retained three-dimensional structures, likely due to zeolite minerals formed in the ash. Scientists believe the vulture was buried in a low-temperature pyroclastic ...
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Fossil Evidence Shows Plants Survived the End-Permian Mass Extinction in China
Fossils discovered in China indicate that the End-Permian mass extinction, which wiped out 80% of life on Earth, may not have been as devastating for plants as previously thought. Researchers found evidence of gymnosperm forests and ferns in rock layers from this period, suggesting that some ecosystems remained intact. This discovery challenges ass...
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125-Million-Year-Old Scorpion Fossil Discovered in China, Shedding Light on Mesozoic-Era Predators
A 125-million-year-old fossil of Jeholia longchengi, a newly identified scorpion species, has been unearthed in China’s Yixian Formation. Measuring around 10 cm, it is significantly larger than most Mesozoic scorpions. The discovery provides crucial insights into the Early Cretaceous food web, where it likely preyed on insects and small vertebrat...
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69-Million-Year-Old Fossil Bird Skull in Antarctica Sheds Light on Waterfowl Evolution
Scientists have analysed a nearly complete fossilised bird skull found in Antarctica, dating back 69 million years. Identified as Vegavis iaai, the specimen is closely related to modern ducks and geese, with skull features supporting its classification as a waterfowl. Researchers suggest that its advanced vision and motor skills could have helped i...
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1.4 Million-Year-Old Jaw Identified as New Paranthropus Species in South Africa
A fossil jawbone discovered in South Africa, initially misclassified, has been identified as a new species, Paranthropus capensis. Using advanced 3D imaging, researchers found that the jaw’s structure and molars differed significantly from known Homo and Paranthropus species. The findings suggest that at least two Paranthropus species coexisted a...
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Rare Pterosaur Neck Bone Discovery Shows Crocodilian Bite From 76 Million Years Ago
A fossilised neck bone from a juvenile Cryodrakon boreas has been unearthed in Alberta, showing evidence of a crocodilian bite. The discovery highlights predator-prey dynamics from 76 million years ago, where ancient crocodilians preyed on or scavenged young pterosaurs. This specimen, identified through micro-CT scans, provides rare evidence of int...
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Human Hunting More Responsible for Kangaroo Extinction than Climate Change
A recent study of ancient kangaroo teeth contradicts previous beliefs that climate change caused their extinction. By examining the wear on teeth, researchers found that kangaroos had flexible diets, which made them resilient to climate shifts. This evidence suggests that human hunting activities, rather than dietary limitations, played a more sign...
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Scientists Uncover Remains of Larger Mesosaurs in Uruguay’s Ancient Seas
Paleontologists in Uruguay have uncovered fossils of mesosaurs that exceed previous size records, revealing that these ancient reptiles may have grown to lengths of up to 2.5 metres. The specimens, found in the Mangrullo Formation, include fragmentary skulls and other bones, offering a glimpse into the gigantism that occurred in mature mesosaurs. R...
-
Underground Hydrogen Reserves Could Power Earth for 200 Years, Study Finds
Trillions of tons of hydrogen have been discovered beneath Earth's surface, offering a potential clean energy solution. A recent study estimates 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen in rocks and reservoirs, capable of powering the planet for 200 years. While access and economic viability remain challenges, scientists see immense promise in these natural r...
-
Tracing the Origins of Oaks: How Climate and Tectonic Changes Shaped Modern Trees
Oaks, iconic trees in today’s forests, evolved over millions of years, influenced by significant climatic events like the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Fossils found in Austria reveal the earliest oak evidence, while tectonic movements led to the diversification of oak species across continents. Oaks adapted to changing climates, making their...
-
Arctic Siberia Summers 10 Degree Celsius Warmer in Last Interglacial, New Study Reveals
A new study reveals that Arctic Siberia experienced summer temperatures up to 10 degree Celsius warmer than today during the Last Interglacial period, which occurred approximately 115,000–130,000 years ago. Researchers analysed sediment cores and fossil records from the Dmitry Laptev Strait to reconstruct past environments. The study found signif...
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Alien Plant Fossil Discovered Near Utah, Cannot Be Linked to Any Known Plant Family
An ancient plant fossil discovered near Rainbow, Utah, has defied classification, according to a study in Annals of Botany. Named Othniophyton elongatum, the fossil shows no connection to any known plant families, modern or extinct. Found in the Green River Formation, the specimen revealed unique features, such as stamens retained after fertilisati...
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Scientists Discover New Triassic Reptile with Unique Teeth in England
Scientists have uncovered Threordatoth chasmatos, a new species of Triassic reptile from Cromhall Quarry in South Gloucestershire. The reptile belonged to the procolophonid group, featuring unique three-pointed teeth. These jaw adaptations suggest the species specialised in herbivorous diets, offering insights into the evolution of ancient reptiles...
-
Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossils Are Being Horded by Private Buyers, Study Claims
A new study has found that the private trade in Tyrannosaurus rex fossils is hampering researchers' understanding of the iconic Cretaceous predator. Thomas Carr, an associate professor of biology at Carthage College, found that there are now more scientifically valuable T. rex specimens in private or commercial ownership than in public museums and ...
-
444-Million-Year-Old Inside-Out Fossil Without Head And Legs Found In South Africa
Two fossils of an ancient arthropod named Keurbos susanae have been discovered in South Africa. The creature lived 444 million years ago during the Late Ordovician period. Its soft tissues, including muscles and guts, were found preserved but its shell, legs and head were missing. Researchers believe the species lived in low-oxygen conditions. The ...
-
30,000-Year-Old Vulture Feathers Discovered, Uniquely Preserved in Volcanic Ash
Fossilized feathers of a 30,000-year-old vulture, found in volcanic ash near Rome, have been analyzed, revealing a unique preservation process. Unlike typical fossilized feathers, these retained three-dimensional structures, likely due to zeolite minerals formed in the ash. Scientists believe the vulture was buried in a low-temperature pyroclastic ...
-
Fossil Evidence Shows Plants Survived the End-Permian Mass Extinction in China
Fossils discovered in China indicate that the End-Permian mass extinction, which wiped out 80% of life on Earth, may not have been as devastating for plants as previously thought. Researchers found evidence of gymnosperm forests and ferns in rock layers from this period, suggesting that some ecosystems remained intact. This discovery challenges ass...
-
125-Million-Year-Old Scorpion Fossil Discovered in China, Shedding Light on Mesozoic-Era Predators
A 125-million-year-old fossil of Jeholia longchengi, a newly identified scorpion species, has been unearthed in China’s Yixian Formation. Measuring around 10 cm, it is significantly larger than most Mesozoic scorpions. The discovery provides crucial insights into the Early Cretaceous food web, where it likely preyed on insects and small vertebrat...
-
69-Million-Year-Old Fossil Bird Skull in Antarctica Sheds Light on Waterfowl Evolution
Scientists have analysed a nearly complete fossilised bird skull found in Antarctica, dating back 69 million years. Identified as Vegavis iaai, the specimen is closely related to modern ducks and geese, with skull features supporting its classification as a waterfowl. Researchers suggest that its advanced vision and motor skills could have helped i...
-
1.4 Million-Year-Old Jaw Identified as New Paranthropus Species in South Africa
A fossil jawbone discovered in South Africa, initially misclassified, has been identified as a new species, Paranthropus capensis. Using advanced 3D imaging, researchers found that the jaw’s structure and molars differed significantly from known Homo and Paranthropus species. The findings suggest that at least two Paranthropus species coexisted a...
-
Rare Pterosaur Neck Bone Discovery Shows Crocodilian Bite From 76 Million Years Ago
A fossilised neck bone from a juvenile Cryodrakon boreas has been unearthed in Alberta, showing evidence of a crocodilian bite. The discovery highlights predator-prey dynamics from 76 million years ago, where ancient crocodilians preyed on or scavenged young pterosaurs. This specimen, identified through micro-CT scans, provides rare evidence of int...
-
Human Hunting More Responsible for Kangaroo Extinction than Climate Change
A recent study of ancient kangaroo teeth contradicts previous beliefs that climate change caused their extinction. By examining the wear on teeth, researchers found that kangaroos had flexible diets, which made them resilient to climate shifts. This evidence suggests that human hunting activities, rather than dietary limitations, played a more sign...
-
Scientists Uncover Remains of Larger Mesosaurs in Uruguay’s Ancient Seas
Paleontologists in Uruguay have uncovered fossils of mesosaurs that exceed previous size records, revealing that these ancient reptiles may have grown to lengths of up to 2.5 metres. The specimens, found in the Mangrullo Formation, include fragmentary skulls and other bones, offering a glimpse into the gigantism that occurred in mature mesosaurs. R...
-
Underground Hydrogen Reserves Could Power Earth for 200 Years, Study Finds
Trillions of tons of hydrogen have been discovered beneath Earth's surface, offering a potential clean energy solution. A recent study estimates 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen in rocks and reservoirs, capable of powering the planet for 200 years. While access and economic viability remain challenges, scientists see immense promise in these natural r...
-
Tracing the Origins of Oaks: How Climate and Tectonic Changes Shaped Modern Trees
Oaks, iconic trees in today’s forests, evolved over millions of years, influenced by significant climatic events like the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Fossils found in Austria reveal the earliest oak evidence, while tectonic movements led to the diversification of oak species across continents. Oaks adapted to changing climates, making their...
-
Arctic Siberia Summers 10 Degree Celsius Warmer in Last Interglacial, New Study Reveals
A new study reveals that Arctic Siberia experienced summer temperatures up to 10 degree Celsius warmer than today during the Last Interglacial period, which occurred approximately 115,000–130,000 years ago. Researchers analysed sediment cores and fossil records from the Dmitry Laptev Strait to reconstruct past environments. The study found signif...
-
Alien Plant Fossil Discovered Near Utah, Cannot Be Linked to Any Known Plant Family
An ancient plant fossil discovered near Rainbow, Utah, has defied classification, according to a study in Annals of Botany. Named Othniophyton elongatum, the fossil shows no connection to any known plant families, modern or extinct. Found in the Green River Formation, the specimen revealed unique features, such as stamens retained after fertilisati...
-
Scientists Discover New Triassic Reptile with Unique Teeth in England
Scientists have uncovered Threordatoth chasmatos, a new species of Triassic reptile from Cromhall Quarry in South Gloucestershire. The reptile belonged to the procolophonid group, featuring unique three-pointed teeth. These jaw adaptations suggest the species specialised in herbivorous diets, offering insights into the evolution of ancient reptiles...
