Great white shark “paleo-nursery” discovered in Chile

Although the great white shark is one of the ocean’s top predators, it’s still considered a vulnerable species. Now, for the first time, scientists have discovered what is claimed to be a prehistoric nursery site for the sharks – and it could have impl… Continue reading Great white shark “paleo-nursery” discovered in Chile

Giant armored prehistoric fish may have fed on plankton

Likely measuring more than 5 meters (16 ft) in length, Titanichthys was a giant armored fish that swam the oceans 380 million years ago. It may sound intimidating, but new research suggests that it fed in a manner much like that of today’s harmless bas… Continue reading Giant armored prehistoric fish may have fed on plankton

Long-necked, toothless T.rex cousin unearthed in Australia

Paleontologists in Australia have uncovered a strange new species of dinosaur. This new creature is an elaphrosaur, placing it in the theropod family along with the Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor – but this one had a long neck, no teeth and an unus… Continue reading Long-necked, toothless T.rex cousin unearthed in Australia

Superpredator Spinosaurus revealed as first known swimming dinosaur

A new Spinosaurus fossil has revealed that this gigantic predatory dinosaur was a proficient swimmer. The first fossil of the creature’s tail has been discovered, revealing large spines that indicate a paddle shape like a crocodile’s tail – the first d… Continue reading Superpredator Spinosaurus revealed as first known swimming dinosaur

coproID gets the poop on source of fossilized feces

If you were studying the diet of ancient humans, it certainly wouldn’t help if you got their preserved feces confused with those of their dogs. A new analytical system system known as coproID is designed to keep that from happening.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading coproID gets the poop on source of fossilized feces

Fossil skull reveals new overlap between ancient human species

The human family tree is being shuffled around again. A new study suggests that Homo erectus existed 100,000 to 200,000 years earlier than previously thought, meaning they lived alongside species they were once thought to have descended from.Continue R… Continue reading Fossil skull reveals new overlap between ancient human species

Not just boring old bones: 6 incredible dinosaur fossils

While huge dinosaur skeletons sure look impressive towering over us in museums, there’s only so much we can learn from dusty old bones. But occasionally more striking specimens turn up bearing skin or feathers, encased in gemstones, and even preserving… Continue reading Not just boring old bones: 6 incredible dinosaur fossils

“Last of the raptors” had feathers and a flailing tail

Made famous in the movie Jurassic Park, the raptor dinosaurs are scientifically known as the dromaeosaurids. A newly-discovered member has recently been added the group, and it was likely one of the last raptors to exist.Continue ReadingCategory: Biolo… Continue reading “Last of the raptors” had feathers and a flailing tail

Oldest ancestor of almost all animals found in Australian fossils

Researchers have discovered the fossilized remains of the oldest known ancestor of almost every animal in existence today. The creature, named Ikaria wariootia, is a wormlike animal about the size of a grain of rice, and it appears to be the earliest e… Continue reading Oldest ancestor of almost all animals found in Australian fossils

Extraordinary fossil isolates the moment fish began evolving fingers

Described as “the missing evolutionary link in the fish to tetrapod transition,” a fascinating Canadian fossil reveals an ancient fish species with arm, hand and finger bones similar to our own, wrapped in fins.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Scienc… Continue reading Extraordinary fossil isolates the moment fish began evolving fingers