Tag Archives: carnivorous

Fossils of Carnivorous “Swamp Creature” Unearthed in Brazil

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Paleontologists have unearthed the fossilized lower right canine tooth of a significant proborchiid Sparathodont in Brazil’s Taubaté Basin.

The lower right canine tooth of a large proborchiid sparasodont excavated from the Tremembé Formation in Brazil. Scale bar – 5 mm inches (AE) and 20 mm inches (H). Image credit: Rangel et al., doi: 10.4072/rbp.2025.2.0534.

The newly discovered fossils date back to the Oligocene Desedan period, approximately 29 to 21 million years ago.

This specimen has been classified as a yet unnamed member of the Proborhyaenidae, an extinct family of South American mammals within the Metatherian order of Sparassodonta.

These creatures played the role of carnivorous predators on the Cenozoic continents.

“Sparassodonta represents an extinct clade of metatherians exclusive to South America, which served as the primary predator of terrestrial mammals on this continent throughout the Cenozoic era,” noted paleontologist Dr. Caio César Rangel from the Federal University of Uberlandia and the Federal University of Pernambuco and colleagues.

“Their evolutionary journey included two significant diversification events, first during the Eocene and later in the Miocene.”

“The Oligocene is marked by cooler temperatures compared to the late Eocene and Miocene.”

“This global cooling trend led to substantial environmental changes, resulting in a turnover in fauna across South America, including both extinctions and diversifications among various Metatherian clades.”

Reconstruction of Thylacosmilus atrochus, a type of post-saber-toothed beast that is part of the sister lineage to the Proborhyaenidae. Image credit: Roman Uchytel.

Paleontologists retrieved the new specimen, measuring 5.73 centimeters (2.3 inches) in length, from the lower section of the Tremembé Formation in São Paulo state, eastern Brazil.

The researchers explained, “The Taubate Basin is situated in São Paulo in southeastern Brazil, stretching from the city of Cachoeira Paulista to Jacarei.”

“It measures approximately 150 km (93 miles) in length and 10–20 km (6–12 miles) in width and lies within a rift between the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira mountains.”

“The Tremembé Formation is the sole Late Oligocene fossil site in Brazil that preserves a diverse array of mammalian fossils and native species,” they added.

“The fauna within this area includes representatives from Metatheria, Pteroptera, Rodentia, Singleta, Astrapoteria, Litopterna, Notungulata, and Pyrotheria.”

This ancient predator thrived in wetland and lake environments and is believed to have held the position of apex predator.

The researchers noted, “The observable wear on the crown and the associated undulations found on the canines indicate that their frequent use is likely related to the capture or active processing of prey by adult specimens.”

This discovery broadens the geographic distribution of Proborhyaenidae and marks the second record of this member of the Sparasodontidae in Brazil.

“This record enhances the diversity of large mammals found in the Tremembé Formation,” the authors stated.

“In general, this region serves as a crucial geological and paleontological resource that offers valuable insights into the final phases of the Paleogene period in tropical South America.”

For more about this discovery, refer to the published paper in the August 2025 issue of Revista Brasileira de Paleontology.

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CC Rangel et al. 2025. The “swamp monster” of the Tremembé Formation (Taubaté Basin, Brazil, late Oligocene): description of a carnivorous metatherian (Sparasodonta, Proborhyaenidae). Revista Brasileira de Paleontology 28 (2): e20250534; doi: 10.4072/rbp.2025.2.0534

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Carnivorous Dinosaur Species from the Triassic Period Identified in Argentina

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New genus and species of theropod dinosaur named Antebi Sukuri Longs has been reported by a team of researchers from the National University of San Juan, the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences, the University of Birmingham, CONICET, and CIGEOBIO.

Reconstruction of Antebi Sukuri Longs. Image credit: Jorge Blanco.

Antebi Sukuri Longs inhabited the Earth during the Carnian period of the late Triassic, approximately 231 to 226 million years ago.

This dinosaur measured about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length and weighed around 8 to 9 kilograms.

The species represents an early-diverging theropod outside the Neoheteropod group, with functional traits previously believed to be exclusive to that classification surprisingly derived.

“This is among the oldest and most primitive dinosaurs yet discovered,” stated Dr. Ricardo Martinez from San Juan National University and his team.

“The early diversification of dinosaurs triggered significant ecological transformations in terrestrial ecosystems, culminating in the dominance of dinosaurs in tetrapod populations by the Triassic-Jurassic boundary 201 million years ago.”

“Therefore, investigating the early diversification of dinosaurs is crucial for understanding the formation of Mesozoic populations.”

“Nonetheless, the absence of stratigraphically continuous fossil data in different geological formations, where the oldest known dinosaurs (dating from 233 to 227 million years ago) are found, has hindered our comprehension of this early diversification.”

Paleontologists uncovered fossilized remains of Antebi Sukuri Longs—including a partial skeleton and skull—discovered in 2014 within the Izquiguarasto formation in northwestern Argentina.

“Few locations in the world offer such ancient and well-preserved fossils,” Martinez remarked.

“One notable site is the Santa María Formation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and the other is the Izquiguarasto Formation.”

Antebi Sukuri Longs thrived around 2 million years after Earth’s formation in a warm, arid savannah, experiencing episodes from the Carnian rainy season.

“We demonstrate that dinosaur diversity and abundance in the Iskigualast Formation were greater than previously acknowledged, particularly among smaller herbivores (under 30 kg) and medium-sized predators (30 kg to 200 kg),” the researchers stated.

“This diversification took place in Iskigualast during a transition to semi-arid conditions, but a return to wetter conditions created a gap in the dinosaur record beginning around 229 million years ago.”

“Only 15 million years later, during the mid-Norian period, the abundance and diversity of dinosaurs in the basin rebounded, this time characterized by larger-bodied species.”

“Our findings suggest that early dinosaur diversification was interrupted by climate-induced faunal replacement, at least in southwestern Pangea.”

A paper detailing this discovery was published in this week’s edition of Nature Ecology and Evolution.

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RN Martinez et al. Carnian theropods with unexpectedly derived features during the initial radiation of dinosaurs. Nat Ecol Evol published online October 14, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41559-025-02868-4

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Carnivorous Dinosaur Species in Argentina

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A recently identified member of the Megaraptran dinosaur family has been unveiled by a collaborative effort of Argentine and US paleontologists.

Joaquinraptor Casali. Image credit: Andrew McCuffy, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

This newly discovered dinosaur species inhabited Patagonia, Argentina, during the later stages of the Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 67 million years ago.

Dubbed Joaquinraptor Casali, these ancient predators were the apex carnivores in the region.

It is a member of the Megaraputra, a lineage of large, clawed carnivorous theropod dinosaurs recognized from Cretaceous deposits across Asia, Australia, and especially South America.

“Megaraptrands were carnivorous theropods characterized by elongated skulls, large claws, and robust forelimbs found in Asia, Australia, and South America,” stated Dr. Lucio Ibilik, a paleontologist at Patagonico de Geología y Paleontología.

“Nevertheless, our comprehension of this group is limited due to the scarcity of complete fossils.”

A well-preserved, partially articulated skeleton of a single Joaquinraptor Casali specimen was uncovered in the Lago Corfue Huapi Formation, situated in the South Central Chubut province of central Patagonia, Argentina.

The specimen comprised numerous dinosaur skulls, anterior limbs, hind legs, ribs, and vertebrae.

Based on the microstructure of the bones, paleontologists propose that the specimen is an adult, albeit possibly not fully matured.

Drawing from other megaraptran remains, they estimate that Joaquinraptor Casali measured about 7 meters in length and weighed over 1,000 kg.

Evidence from sediment suggests this dinosaur thrived in a warm, humid floodplain environment.

“The discovery of bones within the fossilized remains of a crocodilian’s leg pressed against the lower jaw of Joaquinraptor Casali provides insights into its feeding habits, suggesting it may have been a primary predator in its habitat,” the researchers noted.

“However, additional studies are necessary to enhance our understanding of its behavior and ecological role.”

According to scientists, Joaquinraptor Casali and other factions of Megaraputra remained dominant predators in this area of South America, ultimately facing extinction alongside other non-avian dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.

“It seems that South American megaraptolids achieved larger body sizes (over 7 m in length) than their generally smaller counterparts in Australia (5-6 m),” they added.

“The Patagonian Megaraputrids may have continued to grow throughout their evolutionary history, possibly influenced by the extinction of Carcharodontosaurus during the late Cretaceous.”

“Furthermore, this could have permitted Megaraptorids to fill a niche as apex predators within their ecosystems.”

“Moreover, as suggested by the stratigraphy of the Maastrichtian (likely late Maastrichtian), Joaquinraptor Casali may have survived until the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, perishing alongside all other non-avian dinosaurs.”

The discovery of Joaquinraptor Casali has been detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications.

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lm ibiricu et al. 2025. The latest Cretaceous Megaraptolid Cellopod dinosaurs shed light on the evolution and paleontology of megaraptrans. Nut commune 16, 8298; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-63793-5

Source: www.sci.news

The Rising Threat of Carnivorous Bacteria in Florida and Louisiana

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The number of fatalities linked to “carnivorous” bacteria is increasing along the southeast coast of the US. Five individuals in Florida, Four in Louisiana, and One in the Outer Banks have succumbed this year to infections that can lead to necrotic wounds.

The culprit, the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater. According to the state health department, Florida has reported 16 cases so far this year. Louisiana has reported 17 cases, exceeding last year’s average. North Carolina has recorded seven incidents, confirmed by its Department of Health and Human Services, while Mississippi has filed three lawsuits this year, as per the state’s health department.

The initial fatalities in Florida were documented in Bay County along the Gulf Coast, as well as Hillsboro County and regions in Broward and St. John’s Counties, located just south of Jacksonville in southeastern Florida.

Bacteria can enter the body through skin wounds, resulting in tissue necrosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vibrio vulnificus can also be contracted via the consumption of contaminated food, particularly raw oysters. The exact means of infection for those in Florida remains unclear.

As reported by the CDC, approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.

Antalpreet Jutt, a professor of engineering at the University of Florida, noted that while infections are still relatively rare, “something feels off this year.” Nevertheless, he mentioned the uncertainty around the reasons behind the spike in infections.

“This is definitely not normal,” Jutt expressed. “We haven’t encountered this many cases early in the summer in quite some time.”

Jutt explained that cases of Vibrio vulnificus tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida registered a total of 82 cases, potentially worsened by an “extremely active” hurricane season when bacteria can persist in floodwaters.

“This year, it seems there are a higher number of pathogens than usual,” he remarked.

The current hurricane season is still projected to be above average as the US enters its peak period, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Jutt’s research group is examining why there are elevated concentrations of plankton and chlorophyll (indicators of Vibrio) throughout the Florida panhandle, which he describes as a concerning trend.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Rita Colwell, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland, states that Vibrio vulnificus is one of over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria.

Most Vibrio infections are not harmful to humans, according to Jutt. Some may only impact marine life.

However, Vibrio bacteria are responsible for around 80,000 infections annually, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. The majority of these cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 cases arising from Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are more commonly associated with stomach illnesses, while another, Vibrio cholerae, is known to cause cholera.

Vibrio bacteria are primarily found along the southeastern coast of the United States, favoring warmer waters, but are also present on the west coast. With rising sea temperatures, cases have increasingly been reported further north, including areas in New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, Jutt noted.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Florida Health, mentioned that spending time in salty or brackish waters can lead to Vibrio bacteria infiltrating open wounds. Most cases he has encountered are associated with extended exposure to the water, though even short contact can be sufficient.

Visible symptoms of infection can develop within hours, including redness, swelling, and the formation of “bull” blisters. This site can become painful. If the infection progresses, it may enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis, which can be fatal. According to the CDC, symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, and dangerously low blood pressure.

Jutt mentioned that individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus can be treated with antibiotics.

How to prevent Vibrio infection

Beatty advises covering any open wounds before entering the ocean, noting that even waterproof band-aids can be effective.

Individuals who suspect they have an infection should seek immediate medical attention, Beatty cautioned. Delays can significantly increase the risk of severe complications compared to milder cases.

“Late presentations to healthcare are why many individuals suffer more serious consequences than others,” he stated. “Those who seek treatment shortly after the onset of symptoms, and are given antibiotics promptly, are likely to fare better and avoid severe complications.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Fossilized Teeth Uncover How Extinct Carnivorous Mammals Adapted to Global Warming 56 Million Years Ago

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Around 56 million years ago, during a period of significant geological warming known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), the mesonychid mammal Dissacus Praenuntius exhibited remarkable dietary changes—it began to consume more bones.

Dissacus Praenuntius. Image credit: DIBGD / CC by 4.0.

“I am a doctoral student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick,” stated Andrew Schwartz from the University of New Jersey.

“We are observing a similar trend: rising carbon dioxide levels, increasing temperatures, and the destruction of ecosystems.”

In their study, Schwartz and his team analyzed small pits and marks left on fossilized teeth using a method known as dental microwear texture analysis. The research focused on the extinct mammal Dissacus Praenuntius, part of the Mesonychidae family.

This ancient omnivore weighed between 12 and 20 kg, comparable in size to jackals and coyotes.

Common in the early Cenozoic forests, it likely had a diverse diet that included meat, fruits, and insects.

“They resembled wolves with large heads,” Schwartz remarked.

“Their teeth were similar to those of hyenas, though they lacked small hooves on their toes.”

“Before this phase of warming, Dissacus Praenuntius mainly consumed tough meat, akin to a modern cheetah’s diet.”

“However, during and after this ancient warming period, their teeth showed wear patterns consistent with crushing hard substances like bones.”

“Our findings indicate that their dental microwear is similar to that of lions and hyenas.”

“This suggests they were consuming more brittle food rather than their usual smaller prey, which became scarce.”

This shift in diet occurred alongside a slight decrease in body size, likely a result of food shortages.

“While earlier theories attributed body size reduction solely to rising temperatures, this latest research indicates that food scarcity was a significant factor,” Schwartz explained.

“The rapid global warming of this time lasted around 200,000 years, but the changes it caused were swift and dramatic.”

“Studying periods like this can offer valuable lessons for understanding current and future climatic changes.”

“Examining how animals have adapted and how ecosystems responded can reveal much about what might happen next.”

“The research underscores the importance of dietary flexibility; species that can consume a variety of foods are more likely to endure environmental pressures.”

“In the short term, excelling in a specific area can be beneficial,” Schwartz added.

“However, in the long run, generalists—animals that are adaptable across various niches—are more likely to survive environmental changes.”

This understanding can assist modern conservation biologists in identifying vulnerable species today.

Species with specialized diets, like pandas, may struggle as their habitats diminish, while more adaptable species, such as jackals and raccoons, might thrive.

“We’re already starting to see these trends,” Schwartz noted.

“Previous research has shown that African jackals have begun to consume more bones and insects over time, likely due to habitat loss and climate stress.”

The study also indicated that rapid climate change, reminiscent of historical events, could lead to significant shifts in ecosystems, influencing prey availability and predator behaviors.

This suggests that contemporary climate change could similarly disrupt food webs, pushing species to adapt and face extinction risks.

“Nonetheless, Dissacus Praenuntius was a robust and adaptable species that thrived for about 15 million years before eventually going extinct,” Schwartz said.

Scientists believe this extinction was driven by environmental changes and competition with other species.

The study was published in June 2025 in the journal Paleogeography, Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology.

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Andrew Schwartz et al. 2025. Dietary Changes in Mesonychids During the Eocene Heat Maximum: The Case of Dissacus Praenuntius. Paleogeography, Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology 675:113089; doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.113089

Source: www.sci.news

Skull of a Massive Carnivorous Dinosaur Uncovers a “Bone-Crushing” Bite

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Illustration of Tyrannosaurus Rex

Roger Harris/Getty Images/Science Photo Library

When examining the colossal dinosaur skull, it becomes evident that some species prefer to shred their prey, while others deliver bone-crushing attacks.

Andre Lowe and Emily Rayfield from the University of Bristol, UK, studied the skulls of 18 Mesozoic theropod species. This varied group, including T. Rex, Giganotosaurus, and Spinosaurus, walked on two legs and was characterized by large heads and razor-sharp teeth.

Nevertheless, despite their similarities, each dinosaur’s feeding behavior cannot be generalized. Eric Snively from Oklahoma State University notes that Giganotosaurus, with its “thin sawtooth teeth” reminiscent of a cross between a great white shark and a Komodo Dragon, was designed for tearing away large chunks of flesh from its prey. In contrast, the semi-aquatic Spinosaurus had a unique anatomy likened to a heron supported by a dachshund body and equipped with teeth similar to those of crocodiles.

Using a 3D scan of the skull’s surface, the researchers explored the bite mechanics of these dinosaurs by employing a method to model bridge stress. By juxtaposing the skull muscle structures of each dinosaur with those of modern relatives like birds and crocodiles, they learned that Giganotosaurus and Spinosaurus had significantly weaker bites compared to the more recent Tyrannosaurus, which utilized a robust, shorter skull to exert substantial “bone-grabbing” force. “Ultimately, Tyrannosaurus showed more emphasis on the skull than we anticipated, thus indicating harder chewing,” Snively remarked.

“The feeding strategies of these apex predators are more intricate than previously thought,” states Fion Waisum Ma from the Beipiao Palace Museum in China. “T-Rex existed during the late Cretaceous period, a time when competition for hunting was intense,” she adds.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Meet the Individual Linked to Four Deaths from Carnivorous Bacteria in Florida

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This year, four individuals in Florida have succumbed to a bacterial infection that can lead to “carnivorous” wounds, as reported by the State Health Department this month.

The culprit is the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, which flourishes in warm seawater. The fatalities occurred in counties along the Gulf Coast, stretching from Bay County to Hillsboro County, encompassing much of Florida’s coastline.

According to the state health department, Florida has recorded 11 instances of Vibrio vulnificus this year. The bacteria can infiltrate the body through open skin wounds, leading to tissue death, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, consumption of contaminated food, especially raw oysters, can also result in infection. The exact means of infection for those affected in Florida remain unclear.

The CDC indicates that approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.

Antacarit Jutra, an engineering professor at the University of Florida, is investigating Vibrio bacteria and mentions that while infections are relatively uncommon, instances tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida reported a total of 82 cases, likely exacerbated by a “very active” hurricane season.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Rita Colwell, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland, states that Vibrio vulnificus is among over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria.

Most Vibrio infections do not pose a threat to humans, Jutra notes. Some may only affect other animals.

Vibrio bacteria result in roughly 80,000 infections annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 attributed to Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, like Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, usually cause gastrointestinal diseases, while Vibrio cholerae is responsible for cholera-related diarrhea.

Vibrio bacteria typically inhabit the southeastern coast of the United States where warm waters are prevalent, but they are also found along the west coast. As ocean temperatures rise, more cases have emerged further north in recent years, including areas like New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, according to Jutla.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease physician at the University of Florida Health, points out that Vibrio bacteria can enter through open wounds after exposure to salty or brackish water. While most cases he has encountered are linked to prolonged exposure, even short bouts can be sufficient.

Symptoms of infection may appear within just a few hours, including redness, swelling, and “bull” blisters at the site, which can be quite painful. If left untreated, the infection may spread into the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. Symptoms of sepsis encompass fever, chills, and severe hypotension, as per the CDC.

Individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 years old are at the highest risk of infection, according to Jutla.

Antibiotics can effectively treat Vibrio vulnificus infections.

How to prevent vibrio infection

Beatty advises covering any open wounds before entering the ocean, noting that even waterproof band-aids can be effective.

If anyone suspects they have an infection, they should seek medical attention immediately, as delays can lead to severe complications.

“Late presentations to healthcare are often the reason some individuals experience more serious consequences than others,” he explains. “Those who present early with signs and symptoms of infection and receive antibiotics on the same day tend to fare better and avoid severe complications.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis: Newly Identified Carnivorous Dinosaurs

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Chinese paleontologists have excavated relatively complete skulls and vertebrae that belonged to the previously unknown Metriacansosaurus theropod dinosaurs from the mid-Jurassic period.

skull of Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis. Image credit: Zou et al. , doi: 10.7717/peerj. 19218.

Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis roamed our planet about 170 million years ago (Central Jurassic).

This dinosaur was a medium-sized member Metriaacansosauridaceaeclade, a carnivorous dinosaur who lived in the masses of the ancient continent between the mid-Jurassic and mid-Cretaceous periods.

“The Metriacansosaurid family is a family of carnivorous dinosaurs and represents the basal branch clades within allosauroidosis,” says Dr. Yi Zou, a paleontologist at the Academy of Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Spine and Paleontology at the Academy of Sciences.

“Some studies argue that Metricanthosaurus has a closer relationship with Carcharodontosaurus, making the Metricanthosaurus a more derived group of allosauroidosis.”

“Regardless of where the Metricantosauraceae are within the Allosaurian family, members of this clade came from the late period, mainly from the central Jurassic region of western China, such as Sichuan, Chili peppers, Xinjiang and Yunnan.”

“Apart from species found in China, the Noashihara of Metriantosauld was reported during the late Jurassic in England, the late Jurassic in Kyrgyzstan, the late Jurassic in Thailand and the late Cretaceous period.”

“Recently, scientists have reported the possible distribution of this clade in the Tibetan Plateau.”

Fossilized ruins Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis were collected from the Zhanghe Formation in Yunnan Province, China.

“The specimen contains a relatively complete skull and the first 11 vertebrae, including 10 cervical vertebrae and the front dorsal vertebrae,” the researchers said.

“The preserved skull is measured at an anterior and posterior length of 53.9 cm, and the skull reconstruction is 60.1 cm in anterior and posterior length.”

Team phylogenetic analysis shows that the new species is located at the basal branching location within the Metriancanthaurid family.

“Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis Presents the most complete skull of the basal branch Tetanuran It has been reported in central China and provides valuable anatomical information on the unusual combination of skull and cervical spine paintings and cinnapomorphy in the Metriacansosauridae,” the scientist said.

“In addition, our phylogenetic analysis restored the phylogenetic position of the Piatonitzxauridae as a sister group of Avezapoda, not within megalosauroidosis.”

“In place of the monophyletic carnosauria (megalosauroidic acid + allosauroidosis), the phylogenetic analysis recovers three major branches within the tesarium in favor of the monophyletic avetheropoda (allosauroidea + coelurosauria).”

“The lack of consensus on the phylogenetic relationships of basal branch adiabatic over the past decades, as well as many relatively fragmentary materials within tetanus, more accurate character coding, and new discoveries of early members of this clade are necessary to unravel the interactions between the basal members of future groups.”

Discovery of Yuanmouraptor jinshajiangensis was reported in a paper Published online in the journal Peerj.

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Y. Zou et al. 2025. A new Metriantosauld wild-wrench dinosaur from the central Jurassic region of Yunnan Province, China. Peerj 13:E19218; doi:10.7717/peerj.19218

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of Six New Carnivorous Sponge Species in Australian Waters

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Marine biologists have used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to discover six new species of carnivorous sponges in the cladulidae family on the western edge of the Australian continent.

Abisocladia janusi. Image credit: M. Ekins & NG Wilson, doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72917-8.

Cladriidae It is a type of carnivorous sponge that is found on ocean ridges and seamount systems around the world.

usually considered Deep-sea sponges are known for capturing prey with specialized structures.

The latest discoveries bring the number of known species of cradlefish fauna in Australian waters to 41.

New species include: Abisocladia janusi, Abisocladia Johnhupeli, Abisocladia Aurora, axonidama challengeri, Cladriza Vanesakinsand Narrabora Ningaroa.

They were collected from two deep-sea regions in Western Australia almost a thousand kilometers apart.

Abisocladia janusi One was found in the Bremer Canyon system and the other five were found in the Cape Range Canyon.

Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said: “These science novice species deepen our knowledge of the cladulidae and highlight the importance of continued exploration and conservation of marine biodiversity. ” he said.

“The description and study of these new species of carnivorous sponges provides important insight into the complex marine ecosystems along Queensland's coastline and highlights the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts across the region. I’ll highlight it.”

Traditionally, carnivorous sponges have been collected for scientific research by trawling the ocean floor, but recent advances in ROV technology have enabled researchers to study these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. There has been a revolution in capabilities.

This latest discovery was made during a deep-sea expedition conducted by the Schmidt Oceanographic Institute using an ROV. Subastian Explore the rich biodiversity of Western Australia's underwater landscape.

“During the expedition, I was able to operate the ROV remotely from my desk at the museum,” said Dr Merrick Eakins, Queensland Museum's sessile marine invertebrate collection manager.

“Our research highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration and the role of technological advances in understanding marine biodiversity.”

“These sponges demonstrate the incredible adaptability of life in extreme environments and challenge our understanding of marine ecosystems.”

“The implications of these findings go beyond mere classification. They highlight the need to protect these fragile ecosystems, which are under threat from climate change and human activity.”

team's paper Published in a magazine scientific report.

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M. Ekins and NG. Wilson. 2024. A new carnivorous sponge from Western Australia (Porifera: Porifera: Cladorhididae) collected by remotely operated vehicle (ROV). science officer 14, 22173; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72917-8

Source: www.sci.news

A new carnivorous dinosaur species discovered in Kyrgyzstan

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New genus and species of large theropod dinosaur named Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics. It was discovered in the Middle Jurassic Barabansai Formation in the northern Fergana Basin of Kyrgyzstan.

Reconstructing your life Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics.Image credit: Joschua Knüppe.

Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics roamed the Earth during the Callovian Period of the Jurassic Period, between 165 and 161 million years ago.

This ancient predator was 7 to 8 metres (23 to 26 feet) long and had highly prominent “eyebrows” on a part of the skull behind the eye sockets, called the postorbital bone, which indicates the presence of horns in this area.

Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics belongs to Metriacanthosauridae, a group of medium- to large-sized allosauroid theropod dinosaurs characterized by high, arched skulls, elongated, dish-like neural spines, and slender hind limbs.

“Theropod dinosaurs are well-known predators, similar to modern birds,” said Professor Oliver Rauhut from the SNSB – Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geology and his colleagues.

“A wide variety of theropods are known from the Mesozoic Era, the age of dinosaurs.”

“Just as lions today live mainly in Africa and tigers only in Asia, for example, Allosaurus was widespread throughout North America and southwestern Europe during the Jurassic, but a similarly sized Allosaurus lived in China.”

However, the region between Central Europe and East Asia was previously unknown, and no large carnivorous dinosaurs from the Jurassic period were previously known to have been found in this vast area.”

Two specimens of Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics were recovered from the top Barabansai Formation in Kyrgyzstan, Jalal-Abad, near the city of Tashkumil.

“While the type specimen represents a subadult individual, the smaller specimen is a juvenile, indicating that it probably lived in groups,” the paleontologists said.

Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics is the first diagnosable theropod species from the Jurassic of Central Asia in western China.

We suggest that metriocanthosaurid dinosaurs originated in Southeast Asia during the Late Early or Early Middle Jurassic and rapidly became the dominant group of apex theropod predators in many ecosystems on the continent during the Jurassic.

Alpkaraqsh Kyrgyzics “The discovery of a metriacanthosaurid dinosaur fossil isn’t necessarily a surprise, but it fills a major gap in our knowledge of Jurassic theropods,” Prof Rauhut said.

“This discovery provides important new insights into the evolution and biogeography of these animals.

This discovery paper issued this month in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.

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Oliver W. M. Rauhut others A new theropod dinosaur from the Callovian-Balabansai Formation of Kyrgyzstan. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 201(4):zlae090;doi:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae090

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