Scientists have discovered Australia’s oldest known crocodile eggshells in a Queensland backyard, potentially belonging to extinct mekosuchine crocodiles, nicknamed “drop crocs,” that may have climbed trees. These 55-million-year-old eggshells, discovered decades ago but only recently analyzed, provide insights into a time when Australia was connected to Antarctica and South America. The mekosuchines, which could grow up to five meters long, thrived in inland waters long before modern crocodile species arrived. The findings, from a rich fossil site in Murgon, add to evidence suggesting these ancient crocodiles may have been terrestrial hunters, possibly ambushing prey from trees.
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A newly analyzed million-year-old human skull from China has led researchers to propose that *Homo sapiens* emerged at least half a million years earlier than previously believed. The skull, identified as an early form of *Homo longi*, suggests a longer period of co-existence with other sister species like Neanderthals. This finding dramatically shifts the timeline of human evolution and challenges existing understanding of early human species. Although compelling, other experts caution that further evidence is needed to confirm these conclusions.
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A remarkably preserved juvenile hadrosaur fossil, including fossilized skin, was unearthed in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta. The discovery, a collaborative effort between the University of Reading, the University of New England, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, is significant due to the rarity of juvenile hadrosaur fossils and the exceptional preservation of soft tissue. Analysis of the fossilized skin will provide invaluable insights into the dinosaur’s appearance and biology. Following excavation and preparation, the fossil will be housed at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
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Analysis of 500 fossilized dinosaur droppings and vomit from Poland, spanning 247 to 200 million years ago, reveals insights into the dinosaurs’ rise to dominance. The study, published in *Nature*, shows an increase in bromalite size and diversity over time, correlating with the emergence of larger and more varied dinosaur diets. Researchers linked bromalite contents to skeletal remains and footprints, reconstructing a five-phase model of dinosaur ascendancy driven by dietary adaptability and possibly enhanced by volcanic activity increasing plant diversity. This suggests a combination of superior physical adaptations and advantageous responses to environmental change were key to their evolutionary success.
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A remarkably preserved mummified saber-toothed cat cub, the first of its kind, has been unearthed in Siberia. The 35,000-year-old Homotherium latidens mummy boasts exceptionally well-preserved fur, flesh, and even claws, offering unprecedented insights into its appearance and hunting techniques. Comparisons with modern lion cubs reveal significant anatomical differences, suggesting a powerful forelimb role in prey immobilization. This discovery, representing a crucial branch of the feline evolutionary tree, is a game changer for paleontological understanding of saber-toothed cats.
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Bones recently discovered in South Korea have revealed the existence of a giant velociraptor that surpasses the imaginings of Jurassic Park. To say that I was shocked by this news would be an understatement. The thought of these voracious creatures roaming the lands of South Korea is both terrifying and intriguing. The article hints at a trend towards gigantism in the ancient Arctic Circle, where there was potentially less species competition due to extended periods of winter darkness. It’s a fascinating concept to consider how the environment may have influenced the size and behavior of these creatures.
However, upon further reflection, I can’t help but question the validity of the claims made in the article.… Continue reading
A giant prehistoric snake longer than a T.rex found in India – now that’s a headline that catches your attention. But what does it really mean to measure something in units of a T.rex? The fact that the length of a T.rex has become a standard for comparison is indeed quite intriguing. But why not use more conventional measurement units to paint a clearer picture for readers? Perhaps the allure of using a revered, larger-than-life creature like the T.rex is what draws people in, but it does leave one questioning the practicality of such a comparison.
The sheer size of this prehistoric snake, a colossal 15 meters long, prompts us to ponder why creatures of the past seemed to be on a grander scale.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker