Scientists have discovered fossils of a massive, fang-toothed predator that lived millions of years before dinosaurs. The creature, named Gaiasia jennyae, reveals that early tetrapods may have thrived in colder climates than previously thought, adding to the complexity of their evolutionary history.
A new analysis of a Neanderthal child’s ear bone suggests the first known case of Down syndrome in our closest human relatives. The discovery of ‘Tina’ provides evidence of Neanderthals engaging in altruistic behavior, caring for a child with a challenging genetic condition who wouldn’t have been able to contribute in return.
Scientists have discovered remarkably well-preserved Cambrian trilobite fossils, offering the most complete anatomical view of these ancient creatures ever seen. The fossils, preserved by volcanic ash in Morocco, showcase intricate details including the digestive system, mouth structures, and even hair-like appendages.
A new study has revealed that the last surviving population of woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island, isolated for 6,000 years, did not go extinct due to genetic reasons. Instead, a sudden and unknown event likely wiped them out, leaving researchers with a new mystery to solve.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery with the first complete skull of the giant bird species Genyornis newtoni. This fully preserved skull provides invaluable insights into the appearance and characteristics of this colossal bird that weighed an astonishing 230 kg, four times the weight of an average human. This new fossil find will enable researchers to reconstruct the exact appearance of the giant bird and unravel the mysteries surrounding its habits and ancestry.
In the aftermath of the dinosaur-killing asteroid impact, a tiny mammal species emerged around 65 million years ago. This newly identified species, weighing around 1 pound and the size of a chinchilla, provides valuable insights into the evolution of mammals after the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event. Its discovery helps scientists understand the diversification of mammals into different forms that led to modern hoofed mammals like cows and horses.
A complete fossil of an ancient relative of the great white shark, Ptychodus, has been discovered in Mexico, shedding light on a long-standing mystery in vertebrate paleontology. The fossil, which dates back to the Cretaceous period, provides new insights into the shark’s appearance, diet, and behavior.
A newly discovered fossil find has prompted paleontologists to revise their nickname for the largest known salmon species, Oncorhynchus rastrosus, from “saber-toothed salmon” to “tusked salmon”. The intact fossils reveal that the salmon’s teeth projected sideways, resembling tusks more than fangs. Scientists speculate that these tusks were primarily used for defense, either warding off predators or defending nests in the river.
An eight to 10-feet-long prehistoric salmon species called Oncorhynchus rastrosus stalked the seas and streams of the Miocene period. It weighed upwards of 400 pounds and had a formidable pair of front teeth that projected out from the sides of their mouths like tusks. This major dental update is detailed in a study published April 24 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. Scientists are not exactly sure what these signature tusks were used for, but believe they were primarily used to fight off other salmon or predators.
New research suggests that deep-sea corals that lived 540 million years ago may have been the first animals to glow in the dark, far earlier than previously thought. Marine creatures that glow today include fish, squid, octopuses, jellyfish, and even sharks, all as a result of chemical reactions. They use light for various purposes, such as startling predators, luring prey, or finding mates.
