Paleontology

Paleontology

Fine Toothcomb: New fossils add to primate-origins debate

The discovery of 40-million-year-old teeth and jaw fragments belonging to ancient forms of lorises and bushbabies doubles the age of the fossil record for a major primate group.

Paleontology

Was T. rex just a big freeloader?

A new study suggests that an ecosystem like today’s African savanna could provide sufficient carrion to nourish a scavenger the size of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

Paleontology

Pretty Pollen

The pinup of the pollen grain of the month is just one of several intriguing features at this University of Arizona Web site devoted to palynology–the study of the microscopic, decay-resistant remains of plants and animals. The site provides definitions, illustrations, a brief history, a section for kids, and examples of applications in archaeology, paleoecology, […]

Paleontology

Wings Aplenty: Dinosaur species had feathered hind limbs

A team of Chinese paleontologists has discovered fossils of a small, feathered dinosaur that they say had four wings.

Paleontology

New fossil weighs in on primate origins

A 55-million-year-old primate skeleton found in Wyoming indicates that the common ancestor of modern monkeys, apes, and people was built primarily for hanging tightly onto tree branches.

Paleontology

New fossil weighs in on primate origins

A 55-million-year-old primate skeleton found in Wyoming indicates that the common ancestor of modern monkeys, apes, and people was built primarily for hanging tightly onto tree branches.

Paleontology

Forged fossil is a fish-eating fowl

Detailed analyses of Archaeoraptor, a forged fossil once thought to be a missing link between dinosaurs and birds, reveal that the majority of that fake comes from an ancient, fish-eating bird.

Paleontology

Trackway site shows dinosaur on the go

Scientists say that a sediment-filled, bathtub-shape depression found at one of North America's most significant dinosaur trackway sites is the first recognized evidence of urination in dinosaurs.

Paleontology

Curved claws hint at pterosaur habits

A study of the claws of flying reptiles known as pterosaurs suggests that some of the creatures may have walked like present-day herons and used their wing fingers to hold prey.

Paleontology

Mosasaurs were born at sea, not in safe harbors

Newly discovered fossils of prehistoric aquatic reptiles known as mosasaurs suggest that the creatures gave birth in midocean rather than in near-shore sanctuaries as previously suspected.

Paleontology

Stegosaur tails packed a punch

A mathematical analysis of a fossil stegosaur's bones leaves little doubt that the creature's spike-studded tail was an effective defense against predators.

Paleontology

Dear Mummy: Rare fossil reveals common dinosaur’s soft tissue

A mummified dinosaur unearthed in Montana a year ago is giving scientists a rare peek at what the creature's muscles and other soft tissues may have looked like.