Tag Archives: dinosaur

Unlocking Australia’s Ancient Past: Study Reveals 230 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Footprints as the Oldest in the Country

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Unearthed in 1958 by a young fossil hunter in Albion, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, dinosaur footprints have been officially recognized as the continent’s oldest, dating back approximately 230 million years to the late Triassic period. This discovery indicates that dinosaurs inhabited the Brisbane region far earlier than previously thought by paleontologists.

Living fossils unearthed from Petrie Quarry, Albion, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Image credit: Anthony Romilio & Bruce Runnegar, doi: 10.1080/03115518.2025.2607630.

The 18.5 cm (7 in.) long dinosaur footprint was discovered at Petrie’s Quarry, part of the Aspley Formation, alongside a slab featuring narrow linear grooves interpreted as possible tail traces.

Both specimens were extracted before the quarry site was redeveloped, passing through several university collections since then.

“This is the only dinosaur fossil discovered in an Australian capital, highlighting how significant finds can remain hidden in plain sight,” stated Dr. Anthony Romilio, a palaeontologist from the University of Queensland.

“Urban development has rendered the original site inaccessible, leaving behind these footprints as the only evidence of dinosaurs in the area.”

The footprints show impressions of three forward-facing toes, with the central toe demonstrating a faint fan-shaped outline, characteristics typical of a bipedal dinosaur.

Advanced 3D modeling and morphometric analysis revealed that this footprint closely resembles the Ichnogenus Evazoum, commonly linked to early sauropod dinosaurs found elsewhere.

Based on the dimensions of the footprints, Dr. Romilio and Professor Bruce Rannegar estimated that the corresponding dinosaur stood about 78 centimeters (31 inches) tall at the waist and weighed around 144 kilograms (89 pounds).

Utilizing established scaling equations, researchers calculated the maximum potential running speed to be about 60 km/h (37 mph).

While no dinosaur skeletons have been found in the Aspley Formation, these footprints serve as the only direct evidence of dinosaur presence in this time and place.

“Dinosaurs may have walked along waterways, leaving their tracks preserved in sandstone that was later cut to build structures across Brisbane,” Dr. Romilio explained.

“If not for the foresight to conserve this material, the history of Brisbane’s dinosaurs would have remained completely unknown.”

“These footprints were made in sediment by large animals and exemplify a unique kind of trace fossil,” stated Professor Rannegar.

The associated tail print, approximately 13 centimeters (5 inches) long, aligns with structures interpreted as a dinosaur’s tail track. However, the authors caution that without preservation of the corresponding footprint in an appropriate location, its origin remains uncertain.

“The shallow linear grooves found in the tail block closely match reported tail drag traces, yet lack any remaining evidence of Manus or Pes. Their true identity remains ambiguous,” they noted.

“These grooves could have resulted from caudal contact in the orbits of prosauropods, but typically on-site and near the midline of such orbit, which isn’t applicable in this case.”

The team’s research paper has been published this week in The Alcheringa, Australian Journal of Paleontology.

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Anthony Romilio and Bruce Rannegar. Australia’s oldest dinosaur: Reproductive fossils unearthed from the Carnian Aspley Formation in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Alcheringa published online on February 1, 2026. doi: 10.1080/03115518.2025.2607630

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Small Herbivorous Dinosaur Species Found in Spain

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A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled a new genus and species of small bipedal dinosaur from fossils found in Burgos, Spain.

Reconstruction of Foskeia pelendonum. Image credit: Martina Charnel.

Foskeia pelendonum thrived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago.

This newly identified species is part of the Rhabdodontomorpha, a group of ornithischian dinosaurs that existed primarily from the early to late Cretaceous period.

The diminutive dinosaur was roughly the size of a modern chicken, setting it apart from many of its larger ornithischian relatives.

“From the outset, we recognized the uniqueness of these bones due to their small size,” stated Dr. Fidel Torcida Fernández Baldor, a paleontologist at the Salas de los Infantes Dinosaur Museum.

“Remarkably, this study challenges established global theories regarding the evolution of ornithopod dinosaurs.”

“Miniaturization does not imply evolutionary simplicity. This skull is distinctive and highly specialized,” added Dr. Marcos Becerra from the National University of Córdoba.

“Foskeia pelendonum bridges a 70-million-year gap, serving as a small key to unlock a vast chapter of evolutionary history,” remarked Dr. Thierry Tortosa, a paleontologist at the Sainte-Victoire Nature Reserve.

“This is not a ‘mini’ iguanodon; it’s fundamentally different,” emphasized Dr. Tabata Zanesco Ferreira from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

“Its anatomy is peculiar in a way that fundamentally alters the evolutionary tree,” said Dr. Penélope Cursado-Caballero from the University of La Laguna.

The fossilized remnants of at least five individuals of Foskeia pelendonum were excavated from the Vegaguete site in Burgos, Spain.

“This site is part of the Castrillo de la Reina Formation, located between Villanueva de Calazo and Salas de los Infantes,” the researchers noted.

Histological analysis confirmed that the largest specimen was a sexually mature adult.

“The microstructure of the bones suggests that at least one individual was an adult with a metabolic rate akin to that of small mammals and birds,” said Dr. Cohen Stein from Vrije Universiteit Bruxelles.

“Understanding growth and development is vital for comparing anatomical structures within Foskeia pelendonum and other species.”

“Juveniles often exhibit anatomical changes as they mature.”

Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Foskeia pelendonum is closely related to the Australian dinosaur Muttaburasaurus, extending the European clade Rhabdodontia.

“Our findings indicate that herbivorous dinosaurs comprise a natural group called Phytodinosauria,” stated Dr. Paul-Emile Dieudonné from the National University of Rio Negro.

“This hypothesis requires further examination with additional data.”

Despite its modest size, Foskeia pelendonum exhibits specialized dentition and postural changes during growth, adapting for rapid movement through dense vegetation.

“These fossils illustrate that significant evolutionary experiments occurred at both small and large body sizes,” Dieudonné concluded.

“The future of dinosaur research relies on recognizing the significance of small details.”

The discovery of Foskeia pelendonum is detailed in a research paper published in the journal Paleontology Papers.

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l-Emile Dieudonné et al. 2026. Foskeia pelendonum, a new rhabdodontomorph from the Early Cretaceous of Salas de los Infantes (Burgos Province, Spain), and a new lineage of ornithischian dinosaurs. Paleontology Papers 12 (1): e70057; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70057

Source: www.sci.news

New Troodontid Dinosaur with Thick Skull Discovered in Mexico

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A groundbreaking study by a team of paleontologists from Mexico and the United States has unveiled a new species of bird-like dinosaur, Xenovenator Espinosai, notable for its exceptionally thick, dome-shaped skull. This unique adaptation suggests it may have engaged in headbutting behaviors during conflicts with its peers.

Reconstruction of the life of Xenovenator Espinosai. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.

This newly identified dinosaur species thrived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 73 million years ago.

Xenovenator Espinosai is part of the Troodontidae family, which includes agile theropod dinosaurs closely related to modern birds.

The holotype and paratype specimens were uncovered during surface sampling in the Cerro del Pueblo Formation located in Coahuila state, northern Mexico, in the early 2000s.

While Troodontids are recognized for their larger brains and heightened sensory capabilities, this species distinguishes itself through an exceptionally thick skull roof.

The holotype specimen retains nearly the entire brain case, showcasing a strongly dome-shaped structure that reaches thicknesses of up to 1.2 cm.

CT scans reveal that the skull features a dense architecture with closely interlocked sutures and a rugged, textured exterior.

This structural resemblance to the reinforced skulls of dome-headed pachycephalosaurs highlights an evolutionary adaptation for intraspecific combat, particularly head-butting.

While display structures and combat weapons are common among many dinosaur species, detailed adaptations for fighting have yet to be recorded in non-avian maniraptoran theropods.

The paratype specimen of Xenovenator Espinosai shows less pronounced cranial thickening, which may indicate variability due to age or sex, suggesting that the most significant skull enhancements occurred later in development or were selective to one sex.

“The thickened, deformed skull of Xenovenator Espinosai is unparalleled among maniraptorans, with its precise function remaining unclear,” stated lead author Dr. Hector Rivera Silva from Museo del Desierto.

“Several traits that appear to serve no obvious survival advantage, such as cranial horns and crests, may be the result of sexual selection.”

“In contemporary mammals and birds, these attributes can be utilized for display or as weapons during courtship.”

“Considering our findings—skull thickening, cranial doming, and intricate sutures—it is likely that the domed skull of Xenovenator Espinosai was an adaptation for intraspecific combat,” they added.

This discovery marks the first documented case of a parabird exhibiting a specialized skull for combat among its species.

Interestingly, researchers noted that wrinkled frontal bones and similar features in the maxilla and nasal bones of troodontids may suggest widespread intraspecific fighting, with heightened intensity observed in Xenovenator Espinosai.

The phylogenetic analysis indicates that despite being part of a larger North American troodontid lineage, Xenovenator Espinosai’s distinctively thick, domed skull highlights its unique evolutionary niche within the group.

The recurrent evolution of intricate display features and weapons during the Cretaceous hints at the increasing importance of sexual selection in dinosaur evolution.

This finding enriches our understanding of the diversity among troodontid dinosaurs from southern Laramidia, offering rare insights into how even smaller, lighter theropods developed traits specialized for physical confrontation.

Researchers propose that related species like Xenovenator Robustus signify a distinct clade of heavily built troodontids endemic to the Southwest, emphasizing the uniqueness and diversity of southern Laramidian fauna.

“Sexual selection, encompassing adaptations for display and combat, was likely a pervasive phenomenon among dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period,” they concluded.

For further details on this discovery, refer to the research paper published in the journal Diversity.

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Hector E. Rivera-Silva et al. 2026. A troodontid theropod with a thick skull that lived in late Cretaceous Mexico. Diversity 18(1):38; doi: 10.3390/d18010038

Source: www.sci.news

Remarkable Discovery: 160 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Footprints Unearthed in Chile

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The recently uncovered theropod and sauropod footprints from the Late Jurassic Mahara Formation are the oldest dinosaur tracks documented in Chile and along the western edge of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

Palaeoartistic reconstruction of Quebrada Huatacon from the Late Jurassic period. Image credit: Nahuel Vazquez.

“The Late Jurassic fossil record highlights significant disparities in the density and distribution of dinosaur footprints between Laurasia and Gondwana,” stated Dr. Marco Yurac from the School of Paleontology and his colleagues.

“In Europe alone, numerous footprint sites have been identified, including regions in Italy, Croatia, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Portugal.”

“Moreover, North America boasts extensive track sites rich in ichthyological evidence.”

“Conversely, dinosaur footprints in Gondwana are relatively scarce and fragmentary, with notable exceptions like footprint-bearing outcrops in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.”

“Beyond these, ichthyological evidence is limited, with only a few records from Australia.”

“In South America, the majority of dinosaur footprints are found along the eastern coast, particularly in Brazil, Guyana, and Uruguay, with additional reports from northern locales like Colombia.”

“In contrast, on the western coast of South America, corresponding to Gondwana’s western boundary, Late Jurassic dinosaur footprints have only been discovered in Chile.”

A track consisting of four consecutive imprints from a large three-fingered dinosaur in the Mahalla Formation of Chile. Image credit: Yurac et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9.

Paleontologists have discovered five distinct formations containing footprints within the Majara Formation in the Quebrada Huatacondo area of Chile.

These footprints were created by theropod and sauropod dinosaurs approximately 160 million years ago.

“Around 160 million years ago, northern Chile experienced cycles of flooding and drought,” explained the researchers.

“While the climate was primarily arid, temporary wetlands formed from seasonal water accumulation, attracting a variety of animals, from small theropods to massive carnivorous dinosaurs.”

“As dinosaurs traversed wet mud near these water sources, their footprints were imprinted into the soft sediment.”

“Subsequent flooding gently covered these tracks, preserving them for millions of years.”

The Majara footprints reveal the existence of giant (51-52.8 cm), large (43.5-46.5 cm), and medium-sized (25-27 cm) theropod dinosaurs.

One surface showcases over 25 footprints (ranging from 8 to 13 cm), attributed to microscopic theropods.

“These footprints represent the smallest theropod prints ever recorded in Chile, and likely extend across the entire western margin of Gondwana,” said the scientists.

Another surface is the only stratigraphic level exhibiting solely sauropod footprints (potentially undertracks).

“Due to their poor state of preservation, exact quantitative measurements were not feasible,” commented the authors.

“Nonetheless, analyses of the digital model suggest at least nine footprints with configurations indicative of potential movements.”

Paleontologists assert that this discovery represents the earliest known dinosaur footprints from Chile and the western margin of Gondwana.

“These footprints offer crucial insights for reconstructing the paleoenvironment and behavioral patterns of dinosaurs in northern Chile during the Late Jurassic, reflecting the temporary inhabitation of semi-arid floodplain and ephemeral wetland ecosystems,” the researchers concluded.

This significant finding is detailed in a research paper published in the Swiss Journal of Paleontology.

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M. Yurac et al. 2025. Upper Jurassic dinosaur footprints from the Mahara Formation of the Huatacondo region (Tarapaca Basin, Chile): Reassessment of known localities and discovery of new footprints. Swiss Journal of Paleontology 144, 72; doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9

Source: www.sci.news

Discover 6 Groundbreaking Dinosaur Species Unveiled in 2025

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Zavasephale Rinpoche

Masaya Hattori

Meet the fascinating Zavasephale Rinpoche, a dome-headed dinosaur from Mongolia, dating back 108 million years. This remarkable creature is the oldest of its kind, with paleontologists describing its fossilized skull resembling a “cabochon gem.” While related species can grow up to 4 meters and weigh 400 kilograms, this juvenile measured around 1 meter in length and weighed approximately 6 kilograms.

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            <img class="Image" alt="Spicomerus afar" width="1350" height="834" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151921/SEI_276787454.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151921/SEI_276787454.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151921/SEI_276787454.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151921/SEI_276787454.jpg?width=500 500w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2507371" data-caption="Spicomerus afar" data-credit="Matthew Dempsey"/>
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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Spicomerus afar</p>
                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Matthew Dempsey</p>
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<p>Scientists recently examined 165 million-year-old fossils from Morocco, leading to the identification of <em>Spicomerus afar</em>, a heavily armored dinosaur with a striking appearance. According to <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/people/susannah-maidment.html">Suzanna Maidment</a> from the Natural History Museum, the unique features of this dinosaur led her team to describe it as "baroque."</p>

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            <img class="Image" alt="Duonyx tsogtbatari" width="1350" height="964" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151923/SEI_276787580.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151923/SEI_276787580.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151923/SEI_276787580.jpg?width=400 400w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2507372" data-caption="Duonyx tsogtbatari" data-credit="Masato Hattori"/>
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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Masato Hattori</p>
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<p>The 90-million-year-old <em>Duonyx tsogtbatari</em>, found in the Gobi Desert, might remind you of Edward Scissorhands due to its bipedal stance and two elongated fingers. These fingers, each equipped with massive claws measuring up to 30 centimeters, were likely used to grasp branches for feeding.</p>

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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels</p>
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<p>If you’re a fan of <em>Jurassic Park</em>, be wary of the <em>Sri Rapax</em>. This dinosaur, discovered in the Gobi Desert, features menacing claws and was likely one of the fiercest predators during its time, 75 to 71 million years ago, hunting in sprawling deserts and lakes.</p>

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            <img class="Image" alt="Baminornis zhenghensis" width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151936/SEI_276787651.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151936/SEI_276787651.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151936/SEI_276787651.jpg?width=400 400w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2507374" data-caption="Baminornis zhenghensis" data-credit="ZHAO Chuang"/>
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<p>Discovered in China, the 150 million-year-old fossil <em>Baminornis zhenghensis</em> raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary link between birds and dinosaurs. Researchers suggest it could be the oldest bird discovered, showcasing shorter tail features than <em>Archaeopteryx</em>, hinting that modern bird characteristics evolved earlier than expected.</p>

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            <img class="Image" alt="Joaquinraptor casali" width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151937/SEI_267730855.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151937/SEI_267730855.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05151937/SEI_267730855.jpg?width=400 400w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2507375" data-caption="Joaquinraptor casali" data-credit="Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History"/>
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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History</p>
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<p>The terrifying <em>Joaquinraptor casali</em>, discovered in Patagonia, showcases a unique predator adaptation—its jaw was found with a crocodile's foot lodged in it. With a thumb claw akin to a human forearm, this new <em>Megaraptor</em> species likely grew to over 7 meters long, weighing around 1 tonne, making it one of the fiercest contenders of the Cretaceous period.</p>

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        <h3 class="SpecialArticleUnit__Heading">Dinosaur Hunting in Mongolia's Gobi Desert</h3>
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            <p>Join an exhilarating expedition to unearth dinosaur remains in the Gobi Desert, one of the world's premier paleontology sites.</p>
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Source: www.newscientist.com

Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Illuminate the Evolution of Flight

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Paleontologists studied fossils that are 160 million years old. Anchiornis Huxley, a non-avian theropod dinosaur, was unearthed from the Late Jurassic Tianjishan Formation in northeastern China. The preserved feathers indicated that these dinosaurs had lost their flying capability. This rare find offers insights into the functions of organisms that existed 160 million years ago and their role in the evolution of flight among dinosaurs and birds.

This fossil of Anchiornis Huxley has nearly complete feathers and coloration preserved, allowing for detailed identification of feather morphology. Image credit: Kiat et al., doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-09019-2.

“This discovery has significant implications, suggesting that the evolution of flight in dinosaurs and birds was more intricate than previously understood,” said paleontologist Yosef Kiat from Tel Aviv University and his team.

“It is possible that some species had rudimentary flight abilities but lost them as they evolved.”

“The lineage of dinosaurs diverged from other reptiles approximately 240 million years ago.”

“Shortly after (on an evolutionary timeline), many dinosaurs began developing feathers, unique structures that are lightweight and strong, made of protein, and primarily used for flight and thermoregulation.”

About 175 million years ago, feathered dinosaurs, known as Penaraputra, emerged as distant ancestors of modern birds; they are the only dinosaur lineage that survived the mass extinction marking the end of the Mesozoic Era 66 million years ago.

As far as we know, the Pennaraputra group developed feathers for flight, but some may have lost that capability due to changing environmental conditions, similar to modern ostriches and penguins.

In this study, the researchers examined nine specimens of a feathered pennaraptorian dinosaur species called Anchiornis Huxley.

This rare paleontological find, along with hundreds of similar fossils, had its feathers remarkably preserved due to the unique conditions present during their fossilization.

Specifically, the nine fossils analyzed were selected because they retained the color of their wing feathers: white with black spots on the tips.

“Feathers take about two to three weeks to grow,” explains Dr. Kiat.

“Once they reach their final size, they detach from the blood vessels that nourished them during growth and become dead material.”

“Over time, birds shed and replace their feathers in a process known as molting, which is crucial for flight.” He notes that birds that depend on flight molt in an organized and gradual manner, maintaining symmetry and allowing them to continue flying during the process.

Conversely, the molting of flightless birds tends to be more random and irregular.

“Molting patterns can indicate whether a winged creature was capable of flight.”

By examining the color of the feathers preserved in dinosaur fossils from China, researchers could reconstruct the wing structure, which featured series of black spots along the edges.

Additionally, newly grown feathers, which had not fully matured, were identifiable by their deviation in black spot patterns.

A detailed analysis of the new feathers in nine fossils revealed an irregular molting process.

“Based on our understanding of contemporary birds, we identified a molting pattern suggesting these dinosaurs were likely flightless,” said Dr. Kiat.

“This is a rare and particularly intriguing discovery. The preservation of feather color offers a unique opportunity to explore the functional characteristics of ancient organisms alongside body structures found in fossilized skeletons and bones.”

“While feather molting might seem like a minor detail, it could significantly alter our understanding of the origins of flight when examined in fossils,” he added.

“Anchiornis Huxley‘s inclusion in the group of feathered dinosaurs that couldn’t fly underscores the complexity and diversity of wing evolution.”

The findings were published in the journal Communication Biology.

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Y. Kiat et al. 2025. Wing morphology of Anchiornis Huxley and the evolution of molting strategies in paraavian dinosaurs. Communication Biology August 1633. doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-09019-2

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Confirms Nanotyrannus as a Distinct Species of Tyrannosaurid Dinosaur

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Nanotyrannus lansensis — For years, many believed these specimens were juvenile tyrannosaurus rex — However, a team of American paleontologists analyzed the ceratobranchia (hyoid bone) and concluded that it was actually a distinct, fully grown small tyrannosaurid. This finding shed light on the growth history of Nanotyrannus lansensis.

Encounter between adults of Nanotyrannus lansensis (left) and two juvenile tyrannosaurus rex, with a sub-adult tyrannosaurus rex watching from a distance. Image credit: Jorge Gonzalez.

Nanotyrannus lansensis measures 5.5 meters (18 feet) tall, which is relatively small compared to its length of over 12 meters (40 feet) compared to tyrannosaurus rex.

Initially discovered in 1942, Nanotyrannus lansensis was first classified as gorgosaurus, but through further scientific investigation, it was redefined as a separate species in 1988.

The main cause of the lengthy debate over the classification is that the holotype consists solely of an isolated skull, while traditional assessments of maturity often rely on limb bones.

Until recently, studies on other more complete fossils of Nanotyrannus lansensis yielded conflicting conclusions.

In a recent study, paleontologist Christopher Griffin from Princeton University and his team discovered that the microstructure of small bones in the throat ceratobranchial can accurately indicate the age and skeletal maturity of fossil specimens.

“At the time, there was a general consensus that the holotype skull of Nanotyrannus represented an immature tyrannosaurus rex rather than a distinct species,” Dr. Griffin stated.

“We initially aimed to follow that consensus, but upon examining samples of the hyoid bone and noticing characteristics strongly indicating maturity, we realized we needed to reevaluate that notion.”

The researchers found that in both modern archosaurs (like ostriches and crocodiles) and extinct theropods, the ceratobranch bones retain unique signals of growth and maturation, making them particularly useful for determining the developmental stage of fully mature individuals.

Using this technique, the team studied the holotype of Nanotyrannus lansensis and analyzed three sections of its ceratobranchia, identifying several features that suggest near-complete skeletal maturity.

This indicates that Nanotyrannus lansensis is a taxonomically distinct species that coexisted with tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting a greater diversity of predators in Late Cretaceous ecosystems than previously understood.

“This smaller-bodied tyrannosaurus rex indicates that the carnivore’s hyoid displayed a growth pattern suggesting it had reached or was close to maturity,” remarked paleontologist Ashley Poust of the University of Nebraska State Museum.

“We can now confidently affirm our classification of Nanotyrannus as separate from tyrannosaurus rex.”

“This implies the presence of at least two carnivores of different sizes in the same environment, which has significant implications for dinosaur ecology and extinction,” he added.

“Understanding what existed helps us gauge the size of the fossil record and how species have evolved over time.”

“Furthermore, it’s crucial to comprehend the complexity of the ecosystem.”

Results from this study are published in the journal Science.

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Christopher T. Griffin et al. A small Tyrannosaurus rex lived alongside tyrannosaurus rex. Science published online on December 4, 2025. doi: 10.1126/science.adx8706

Source: www.sci.news

Bolivian Fossil Site Captures Thousands of Cretaceous Dinosaur Footprints, Tail Marks, and Swim Trails

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The Carreras Pampas archaeological site within Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park has documented 1,321 tracks and 289 isolated footprints, totaling 16,600 theropod dinosaur footprints. Additionally, 280 swim tracks have been identified, amounting to 1,378 swim tracks in total. Some of the tracks include tail traces.

Dinosaur footprints at the Carreras Pampas Stadium in Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park. Image credit: Esperante et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0335973.

Bolivia boasts one of the most comprehensive and diverse records of dinosaur footprints globally, covering the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Despite the abundance of track sites, there has been limited scientific research published.

A recent study led by paleontologist Raul Esperante from the Institute of Geosciences, along with his colleagues, has documented an extraordinary variety of dinosaur footprints at the Carreras Pampas site in Toro Toro National Park.

In nine different study areas, the research team uncovered 16,600 footprints left by three-toed theropod dinosaurs from the late Cretaceous.

These footprints vary in size from small (less than 10 cm) to large (over 30 cm) and capture a range of dinosaur behaviors, including running, swimming, tail dragging, and abrupt turns.

“The waist height of most (80%) of the trackmakers was between 65 cm and 1.15 meters, with a significant portion measuring between 75 cm and 1.05 meters,” stated the paleontologist.

“Interestingly, very few trackmakers exceeded 1.25 meters in height.”

The majority of these footprints are oriented approximately northwest to southeast, and the sediments retain ripple marks, indicating that these dinosaurs traversed ancient shorelines.

“The Carreras Pampas track set a new world record for the number of individual dinosaur footprints, continuous tracks, tail marks, and swimming marks,” the researchers noted.

“This exceptional frequency suggests it was a heavily trafficked area, and the parallel alignment of some footprints may imply groups of dinosaurs traveled together.”

“Numerous more footprints at this site and other locations in Bolivia remain to be studied,” they added.

“This site offers a remarkable glimpse into the region’s past. It reveals not only how many dinosaurs inhabited the area but also their behaviors during migration.”

“It’s truly incredible to work here, as the ground is covered with dinosaur footprints wherever you look.”

The team’s findings were published in the online journal PLoS ONE.

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R. Esperante et al. 2025. Morphology, preservation, and taphonomy of dinosaur footprints, tail prints, and swim tracks in the world’s largest athletic arena: Carreras Pampas, Toro Toro National Park, Bolivia (Upper Cretaceous). PLoS One 20 (12): e0335973; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0335973

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover New Species of Mamenchisaurid Dinosaur

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A recently identified sauropod dinosaur, Mamenchisaurus, was discovered in China, originating from the late Jurassic period.

Reconstruction of the life of Mamenchisaurus species, Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum. Image credit: Júlia d’Oliveira.

Mamenchisaurus sanggensis existed during the early Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 160 million years ago.

This dinosaur belonged to the divergent Mamenchisauridae family, sharing a close relationship with other Mamenchisaurus species.

“The diversity of sauropod dinosaurs peaked in the Late Jurassic, encompassing numerous geographically widespread non-neosauropod eusauropod lineages (like Mamenchisaurs and turiasaurs) alongside a broad array of globally distributed neosauropod members (Diplodocoidea and Macronaria),” stated Dr. Hui Dai, a paleontologist at the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology.

“Late Jurassic sedimentary formations in China preserve a rich sauropod fossil record, predominantly featuring mamenchisaurids, although precise neosauropod remains are largely recognized from the Middle Early Jurassic period.”

“The dominance of sauropod faunas in Asia contrasts sharply with that of contemporary European and North and South American strata.”

“Additionally, most of the late Jurassic Asian sauropod diversity is traced back to deposits from the lower section, particularly around the transition from the Middle to Late Jurassic.”

A partial skeleton of Mamenchisaurus sanggensis was uncovered at a fossil site in Chongqing, located in southwest China.

“The remains were found in reddish-purple silty mudstone near the upper layer of the Shaximyo formation,” paleontologists noted.

“While a general Callovian-Oxford age for this formation has traditionally been assumed, the exact age remains a subject of debate.”

The discovery of Mamenchisaurus sanggensis adds to the diversity of early-branching sauropod dinosaurs and offers further insights into the evolutionary history of sauropods in northwestern China.

“A deeper understanding of the evolutionary relationships among mid to late Jurassic Chinese eusauropods may have implications for testing theories regarding the isolation of East Asia from western Laurasia and Gondwana during this era and for the paleobiogeographic history of early diverging sauropods and more broadly, eusauropods,” the researchers remarked.

“Nonetheless, our knowledge of this evolutionary transition is incomplete, and a reexamination of specimens is essential to bridge the existing ‘gap’ in East Asian lineages.”

The study was published in the Journal on November 25, 2025 in Scientific Reports.

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H. Dai et al. A new mamenchisaurid sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic of southwestern China reveals fresh insights into the evolution of East Asian eusauropods. Scientific Reports, published online on November 25, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29995-z

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Sauropod Dinosaur Footprint, Dating Back 150 Million Years, Found in Colorado

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Paleontologists conducted an analysis of the path taken by an exceptionally long sauropod at the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracking Station in Colorado, USA. Their findings suggest that the massive dinosaurs responsible for it might have exhibited a limp.

Aerial view of the West Gold Hill dinosaur track site in Colorado, USA. Image credit: USDA Forest Service.

Paleontologist Anthony Romilio from the University of Queensland and his team examined over 130 footprints along a 95.5-meter trail that dates back 150 million years.

“This is a remnant from the late Jurassic period, a time when long-necked dinosaurs like diplodocus and camarasaurus thrived across North America,” stated Dr. Romilio.

“This track is particularly special because it forms a complete loop.”

“Although the reason for the dinosaur’s turnaround remains unclear, this trajectory provides a rare chance to analyze how the substantial sauropod executed a sharp turn before returning to its original direction.”

“The scale of the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Track necessitated a novel approach,” remarked Paul Murphy, a paleontologist from the San Diego Museum of Natural History.

“Given the size of the tracks, capturing these footprints from the ground proved to be quite challenging.”

“We utilized a drone to photograph the entire track in high resolution.”

“These images can now be leveraged to create detailed 3D models that can be digitally examined in the lab with millimeter-level accuracy.”

The virtual model reconstructed the sauropod’s movement throughout the entire path.

“It became evident right away that this animal started moving northeast, looped around, and ultimately ended up facing the same direction,” Dr. Romilio explained.

“Within that circular path, we discovered subtle yet consistent indications of its behavior.”

“A notable observation was the variance in width between the left and right footprints, which changed from very narrow to distinctly wide.”

“This transition from narrow to wide footprints suggests that the width may naturally fluctuate as dinosaurs walked. This implies that short segments of seemingly uniform width could misrepresent their typical walking style.”

“We also noted a small but ongoing difference in stride length of roughly 10 cm (4 inches) between the left and right sides.”

“It’s challenging to determine if this signifies a limp or merely a preference for one side.”

“Many extensive dinosaur trails worldwide could benefit from this method to uncover previously hidden behavioral insights.”

The team’s study was published in the journal Geography.

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Anthony Romilio et al. 2025. Track by track: West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracking Site (Upper Jurassic, Bluff Sandstone, Colorado) reveals sauropod rotation and lateralized gait. Geography 5(4):67;doi: 10.3390/geomatics5040067

Source: www.sci.news

Dinosaur Eggshells Aid Paleontologists in Dating Fossil-Rich Rocks

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Researchers from Stellenbosch University and other institutions utilized advanced uranium-lead (U-Pb) dating along with elemental mapping to analyze traces of uranium and lead in the calcite of fossilized dinosaur eggshells discovered in the United States and Mongolia.

An artist’s reconstruction of a troodontid dinosaur that had just hatched from a fragment of an egg shell. Image credit: Eva Utsukiyouhei.

The ages of numerous fossil remains globally remain uncertain.

Without precise geological age data for fossils, paleontologists face challenges in comprehending the relationships among different species and ecosystems over time and across regions.

Traditionally, they depend on dating minerals like zircon and apatite found alongside fossils, but these minerals are not always available.

Efforts to date fossils such as bones and teeth often lead to ambiguous results.

Dr. Ryan Tucker and his team at Stellenbosch University adopted a novel strategy. They applied advanced U-Pb dating and elemental mapping to identify trace quantities of uranium and lead in the calcite of fossilized dinosaur eggshells.

These isotopes function as a natural clock, enabling scientists to ascertain when an egg was buried.

Studies of dinosaur eggs sourced from Utah in the United States and Mongolia’s Gobi Desert have indicated that the eggshells can accurately reflect their ages to about 5% in comparison to the true ages of volcanic ash.

In Mongolia, researchers have for the first time directly dated a significant area where dinosaur eggs and nests have been preserved, tracing back to approximately 75 million years ago.

“Eggshell calcite is remarkably adaptable,” states Dr. Tucker.

“This introduces a fresh method for dating fossil sites lacking volcanic layers, which has posed a challenge for paleontology for many years.”

By demonstrating that dinosaur eggshells can reliably record geological time, this research bridges biology and earth sciences, providing scientists with a powerful tool for dating fossil remains worldwide.

“Directly dating fossils is a dream for paleontologists,” remarked Dr. Lindsay Zanno, a paleontologist at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

“With this innovative technology, we can tackle previously insurmountable riddles of dinosaur evolution.”

The team’s study was published in the journal Communication Earth and Environment.

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RT Tucker et al. 2025. U-Pb calcite dating of fossil eggshells as an accurate deep-earth chronometer. Communication Earth and Environment 6,872; doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-02895-w

Source: www.sci.news

Orange Lichen Aids Paleontologists in Locating Dinosaur Fossils

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Lichens, comprising symbiotic fungi and algae (and/or cyanobacteria), are crucial ecological components that inhabit various substrates, including fossils. A recent study highlights their role as biological indicators of fossils in western North America, and demonstrates that they can be identified through remote sensing techniques.

Preferential colonization of dinosaur bones by lichens. Image credit: Pickles et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.09.036.

Dr. Brian Pickles from the University of Reading noted, “This research showcases how extant organisms can assist in uncovering ancient life forms.”

“It’s fascinating to realize that these lichens, which essentially represent miniature ecosystems, thrive on the remains of dinosaurs that went extinct over 75 million years ago.”

“Utilizing drone technology to identify spectral signatures in lichens could transform how paleontologists search for fossils.”

In their research, Dr. Pickles and his team identified two lichen species, Rusabschia elegans and Xanthomendoza trachyphylla, which colonized 50% of exposed fossil bones while affecting less than 1% of nearby rock fragments.

This preference can be attributed to the alkaline, calcareous, and porous nature of dinosaur bones that these lichens favor.

“Although the tendency of lichens to thrive on fossil bones has been observed for decades, it has never been quantitatively assessed until now,” stated Dr. Caleb Brown, a researcher at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.

“During our first encounter with a high concentration of exposed fossil bone, such as in a bone bed, our attention often shifts from the bones themselves to the vibrant orange lichen ‘meadows.’

The researchers deployed a drone fitted with specialized sensors to pinpoint lichen-colonized fossils from aerial imagery boasting a resolution of 2.5 cm.

Lichens reveal distinct spectral characteristics, exhibiting lower reflectance in blue wavelengths and increased reflectance in the infrared spectrum.

This innovative method presents considerable benefits for exploration in paleontology, particularly in remote locations where conventional ground surveys are challenging.

This strategy could expedite fossil discoveries while minimizing field expenses and ecological impacts.

The findings are rooted in decades of anecdotal observations made by paleontologists.

In 1980, paleontologist Darren H. Tanke observed that the orange pigmentation of lichens on centrosaurus bones might soon be detectable via satellite. The potential for locating bones using aerial drone technology appears more achievable than ever.

“This drone study sets the foundation for employing aircraft and satellites to map larger expanses,” remarked Dr. Derek Peddle, a researcher at the University of Lethbridge.

“Our newly developed lichen index will aid in fossil identification across vast terrains.”

“It’s exhilarating to merge our imaging technology with the expertise of this international team to enhance dinosaur discovery through remote sensing of lichens.”

The team’s publication appears in this week’s issue of Current Biology.

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Brian J. Pickles et al., 2025. Remote sensing of lichens by drone to detect dinosaur bones. Current Biology 35 (21): R1044-R1045; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.09.036

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Uncovers Nanotyrannus as a Unique Dinosaur Lineage

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Paleontologists investigated a remarkably preserved and nearly mature Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton found in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana. Their findings suggest that this specimen exhibits traits similar to the holotype of Nanotyrannus and confirm that this lineage is distinct from tyrannosaurus.

A pack of Nanotyrannus daringly attacks a young tyrannosaurus rex. Image credit: Anthony Hutchings.

“This fossil turns decades of research on its head,” stated Dr. Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

The researchers utilized tree ring data, spinal fixation, and developmental anatomy to show that the new specimen reached physical maturity at around 20 years.

Skeletal characteristics like larger forelimbs, more teeth, fewer caudal vertebrae, and distinctive skull neural patterns are established early in development and are biologically incompatible with tyrannosaurus rex.

“For Nanotyrannus to develop into a tyrannosaurus rex would contradict everything we know about vertebrate growth. That’s not just unlikely; it’s impossible,” remarked Dr. James Napoli, a researcher at Stony Brook University.

For years, paleontologists have incorrectly modeled tyrannosaurus growth and behavior using Nanotyrannus fossils.

This new evidence indicates that those studies were based on two entirely different species, suggesting that multiple tyrannosaurus species coexisted in the same ecosystem during the last million years before the asteroid impact.

As part of their study, Dr. Zanno and Dr. Napoli analyzed over 200 Tyrannosaurus fossils.

They found one skeleton, previously thought to represent a juvenile tyrannosaurus rex, that differed from the documented species Nanotyrannus lansensis, which is part of the renowned dueling dinosaur fossil.

The authors concluded that this specimen is a new species of Nanotyrannus, named Nanotyrannus letaeus.

The confirmation of Nanotyrannus implies that predator diversity during the final million years of the Cretaceous was far greater than previously understood, indicating that other small dinosaur species may also have been misidentified.

“This discovery provides a more complex and competitive view of the last days of the dinosaurs,” Dr. Zanno mentioned.

“With its massive physique, powerful bite, and stereoscopic vision, tyrannosaurus rex was indeed a fierce predator, but it did not dominate its environment without competition.”

“Darting together were Nanotyrannus — a slimmer, faster, more agile hunter.”

These findings were published in today’s edition of Nature.

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LE Zanno and JG Napoli. Nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus coexisted at the end of the Cretaceous period. Nature published online October 30, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09801-6

Source: www.sci.news

Nanotyrannus: Dinosaur Skeleton Resolves Long-Standing Debate Over ‘Small Tyrannosaurus’ Fossil

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Artist’s interpretation of the pack Nanotyrannus assailing a young tyrannosaurus

Anthony Hutchings

Fossils previously thought to belong to a juvenile tyrannosaurus rex have been identified as a fully mature carnivore of a distinct species, resolving a long-standing debate in paleontology.

This controversy originated from a skull unearthed in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana during the 1940s, which was initially identified as gorgosaurus. It was later proposed to be a juvenile tyrannosaurus. In 1988, other researchers posited that the fossil represented an adult of a smaller related species, which they designated Nanotyrannus lansensis.

Since then, a number of additional fossils classified as Nanotyrannus have been discovered, although many paleontologists contend that they are merely tyrannosaurus juveniles.

Now, researchers have examined a complete skeleton for the first time, providing compelling evidence that Nanotyrannus is indeed a separate species.

The skeleton is among a pair of specimens known as “Dueling Dinosaurs,” found by private fossil hunters in 2006, which includes a triceratops and what was initially believed to be a juvenile T. rex buried approximately 67 million years ago.

It was only in 2020, when the fossil came into the possession of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, that paleontologists could conduct a thorough analysis of it.

“Upon receiving the specimen, we recognized it was extraordinary,” remarks Lindsey Zanno from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. “We had no inkling it would radically alter decades of research concerning the world’s most renowned dinosaur.”

Mr. Zanno collaborated with his colleagues, including James Naples, a postdoctoral researcher at Stony Brook University in New York. She had initially supported the juvenile tyrannosaurus theory but was compelled to reevaluate her stance based on the findings.

“Nanotyrannus displays unique nerve and sinus patterns, a greater number of teeth, larger hands, and shorter tails. These traits remain consistent as the species develops from juvenile to adult,” she notes.

Lindsay Zanno with the proposed Nanotyrannuslansensis skeleton

North Carolina State University

Zanno and Napoli’s examination of the dinosaur’s limb bones confirmed that it was a fully mature specimen, approximately 20 years old, weighing around 700 kilograms and measuring about 5.5 meters in length. “This is roughly one-tenth the weight of an adult human and half the length of a tyrannosaurus,” Zanno explains.

Additionally, Zanno and Napoli reanalyzed 200 tyrannosaur fossils and concluded that another nearly complete skeleton, known as Jane from the Hell Creek Formation, is misclassified as a tyrannosaurid fossil. They propose that Jane is actually a new species within this genus, designated Nanotyrannus letaeus.

“Although we possess only one skeleton of N. Retheus, its anatomy suggests it was part of a larger species,” remarks Zanno. “The configuration of the palatal sinuses and the shape of the bone behind the eye are distinctive.”

Proposed Nanotyrannus lansensis skull features more teeth than the tyrannosaurus skull.

Matt Zeher/North Carolina Museum of Natural Science

Scott Parsons, a researcher at the South Carolina State Museum, asserts that this latest study clarifies the debate surrounding Nanotyrannus being its own genus and species.

“In my opinion, Nanotyrannus was among the most formidable dinosaur predators, and being pursued by one would be quite a terrifying experience,” Parsons remarks, noting its long legs and fearsome thumb claws.

“In essence, we can compare Nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus to modern-day cheetahs and lions. While they shared a similar overall anatomy, they had distinct hunting strategies.”

Thomas Carr from Carthage College in Wisconsin has expressed that the new findings are “quite definitive” that the dueling dinosaur specimen represents an almost adult species, one that differs from tyrannosaurus.

Additionally, Holly Ballard from Oklahoma State University, who led the 2020 research, stated that there is “no contention” regarding the team’s conclusion that the fossil belonged to an individual nearing adult size.

However, neither Ballard nor Carr are fully convinced that the other fossil, Jane, constitutes a new species of Nanotyrannus. “Jane is still maturing and large,” emphasizes Ballard, suggesting it may be a new taxon rather than a juvenile tyrannosaurus. “We’re returning to the old debates,” Ballard laments.

“Moreover, in the Hell Creek Formation, if there are numerous small tyrannosaurs in circulation, where are the juvenile tyrannosaurus? ” Kerr questions, stating that it complicates the fossil record. “We simply haven’t uncovered enough tyrannosaurs to fully elucidate what was occurring during the growth phases of the tyrannosaurids in the Hell Creek Formation.”

Dinosaur hunting in Mongolia’s Gobi desert

Embark on an exhilarating and unique expedition to discover dinosaur ruins in the vast wilderness of the Gobi Desert, one of the world’s most renowned paleontology hotspots.

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Sauropod Dinosaur Species Discovered in Museum Collection

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Fossil brain box and partial skull roof Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This specimen underwent reevaluation and was reclassified, resulting in the establishment of a new genus and species of sauropod dinosaur from the Dicraeosauridae family: athena bellmani.

Holotype brain case of athena bellmani. Image credit: Whitlock et al., doi: 10.26879/1550.

The dinosaur athena bellmani inhabited what is now Utah, USA, during the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 151 to 150 million years ago.

This specimen, designated Carnegie Museum (CM) Specimen 26552, was first discovered in 1913 in the Morrison Formation at the Carnegie Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument.

So far, the specimens have been assigned to a genus of sauropod dinosaurs known as diplodocus.

Dr. John Whitlock, a researcher at Mount Aloysius College and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, commented, “The Carnegie Museum of Natural History contains some of the most significant specimens for understanding the cranial anatomy of diplodocoid sauropods.”

“One specimen, CM 26552, is frequently overlooked in favor of a more complete skull; however, it holds immense historical significance as it provided the foundation for modern descriptions of brain case anatomy in the diplodocus genus.”

“In view of new discoveries since its initial description in 1978, we are reassessing the anatomical and taxonomic relationships of this specimen.”

The new analysis indicates that CM 26552’s characteristics align more closely with another group of sauropods, the Dicraeosauridae.

“CM 26552 showcases mosaic features that distinctly separate it from other known North American dicraeosaur species,” the paleontologists noted.

“Based on this evidence, we are assigning CM 26552 to a new genus: athena, with the specific name bellmani.”

Research has also revealed that athena bellmani is closely related to dicraeosaurids like Swasea.

The researchers stated, “Considering CM 26552 as a new species of Dicraeosaurina enhances our understanding of this family’s diversity in the Morrison Formation and North America broadly, thus enriching the historically underrepresented sauropod diversity of this region.”

The findings have been published in an online journal this month: Old Trogia Electronica.

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John A. Whitlock et al. 2025. athena bellmani, a new species of dicraeosaur sauropod discovered from Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, USA. Old Trogia Electronica 28 (3): a50; doi: 10.26879/1550

Source: www.sci.news

New Dome-Headed Dinosaur Species Discovered in Montana

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A new genus and species of pachycephalosaur dinosaur has been identified by paleontologists from five fossil specimens found in the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation in Montana, USA.

Reconstructing the life of Brontothorus harmony. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.

This newly identified dinosaur roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago.

Named Brontothorus harmony, this ancient herbivore measured around 3 meters (10 feet) in length.

It is classified within the Pachycephalosauridae, a family of bipedal, dome-headed dinosaurs belonging to the ornithischian clade Pachycephalosauria.

“Pachycephalosaurs are a unique ornithischian clade characterized by distinct morphological features,” stated paleontologist D. Carey Woodruff, Ph.D., from the Philip Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Museum of the Rocky Mountains, along with colleagues.

“These traits include bipedalism, heterodentary dentition, ossification of the caudal muscular septum, as well as the distinctive thickened frontoparietal dome and decorated skull.”

“Most pachycephalosaurid species are primarily known from cranial remains, making the anatomy, functional morphology, and phylogenetic significance of the frontoparietal dome particularly intriguing for paleontologists.”

“This clade is exclusively identified from Late Cretaceous Asia and western North America, with the latter showcasing a more diverse assemblage of pachycephalosaur species.”

“The oldest North American species is the Santonian variant, Acrotorus odeti, and this group evidently diversified during the middle to late Campanian period, resulting in a wealth of presently recognized species.”

A total of 5 specimens attributed to Brontothorus harmony were unearthed in the Two Medicine Formation located in Glacier County, Montana.

“This new species represents the first pachycephalosaur discovered from the Two Medicine Formation,” the paleontologists noted.

The notable dome structure of Brontothorus harmony positions it as the third largest pachycephalosaur in North America.

“Phylogenetic analyses indicate that this new species is significantly distinct from both Stegoceras and Pachycephalosaurus,” the researchers remarked.

“Thus, this species is not closely related to Stegoceras or Pachycephalosaurus.”

“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the morphology and diversity of pachycephalosaurs but also highlights that this clade included relatively large species sizes during the early Middle Campanian.”

The finding of Brontothorus harmony is detailed in a paper published on October 9, 2025, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.

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D. Cary Woodruff et al. 2025. The first pachycephalosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation: Influence of the Western Interior Seaway on the evolution of North American pachycephalosaurs. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 205 (2): zlaf087; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf087

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover New Long-Necked Dinosaur Species from the Triassic Era

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Paleontologists have discovered a new collection of Triassic fossils at the Quebrada Santo Domingo site in the northern Pre-Cordillera Basin of northwestern Argentina. Among their findings are nearly complete skeletons of a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur species, along with several cynodonts, rhinocosaurs, and aetosaurs.

Huayracursor jaguensis. Image credit: Jorge Blanco.

The newly identified species existed in what is now Argentina during the Carnian period of the late Triassic, approximately 230 million years ago.

Known as Huayracursor jaguensis, this dinosaur was an early and primitive member of the clade sauropodomorpha.

The ancient creature featured a relatively long neck and was larger than many of its contemporaries.

“The Carnian period (237 to 227 million years ago) is significant in the evolution of tetrapods, holding the earliest records of several major clades, including dinosaurs,” stated paleontologist Dr. Martin Hechenleitner of the La Rioja Regional Research Center and CONICET, along with colleagues.

“Following the Carnian pluvial period, dinosaurs faced unprecedented radiation levels and quickly established dominance for the remainder of the Mesozoic era.”

“Most of the earliest records originate from a few well-researched regions in South America, specifically the Izquiguarasto-Villa Union Basin in western Argentina and the Paraná Basin in southern Brazil.”

“These locales have produced a variety of early dinosaurs, encompassing ornithischians, herrerasaurs, theropods, and sauropods.”

“While sauropods are the most taxonomically diverse, the majority (with a few fragmentary exceptions) were small, bipedal, and short-necked.”

“Despite the advances in our understanding of the quadrupedal fauna from the Carnian, no dinosaur-containing groups have arisen outside of traditional classifications.”

Selected bone of the Huayracursor jaguensis holotype. Image credit: Hechenleitner et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09634-3.

Dr. Hechenleitner and his co-authors uncovered fossilized remains of Huayracursor jaguensis and other Triassic animals in the Santo Domingo formation at Quebrada Santo Domingo, a remote region of the Andes Mountains in La Rioja, northwestern Argentina.

“This newly discovered fauna is the first from the newly characterized northern Pre-Cordillera Basin,” the paleontologists remarked.

“Current findings encompass ceratopsians of the hyperodapedontid family, cynodonts from the traversodontid and probynognathic families, a eurysaurian, and at least two sauropod dinosaurs, indicating a Carnian age.”

“Among the sauropods, Huayracursor jaguensis provides the earliest evidence of concurrent weight gain and neck elongation in sauropods, suggesting that these crucial traits emerged at the dawn of dinosaurs.”

“This discovery enhances our understanding of the diversity and geographic distribution of early dinosaur faunas and illuminates the evolution of sauropods during the Carnian period.”

The findings regarding Huayracursor jaguensis are detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature.

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EM Hechenleitner et al. A newly discovered long-necked early dinosaur from the Upper Triassic basin of the Andes. Nature, published online October 15, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09634-3

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

Britain Discovers Europe’s Longest Sauropod Dinosaur Footprint

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In 2024, a remarkable discovery was made at Dewar’s Farm Quarry, located near Bicester, Oxfordshire, England, where new large sauropod dinosaur footprints were found. This year, palaeontologists from Oxford University, Birmingham University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History uncovered approximately 200 additional footprints comprising four distinct tracks, including Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur track.

A 166-million-year-old sauropod dinosaur footprint at Dewar’s Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, England. Image credit: University of Birmingham.

The four newly discovered tracks at Dewar’s Farm Quarry date back to the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.

These belong to sauropod dinosaurs, which are characterized as large-bodied, long-necked herbivores. Cetiosaurus.

Among these discoveries is Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur footprint, extending roughly 220 meters from the first exposed footprint to the last.

Professor Kirsty Edgar from the University of Birmingham commented: “We were thrilled to return to the Dewar’s Farm quarry earlier this year to continue our excavation and unveil further dinosaur footprints.”

“This site in Oxfordshire boasts the largest dinosaur footprint in the UK and is likely the largest dinosaur footprint in the world that has been mapped, considering previous discoveries from the 1990s on the same surface nearby.”

Over seven days, the team faced a much drier and harder surface compared to previous years, concentrating on about 80 very large (up to 1 meter) sauropod footprints that create a remarkable trajectory running roughly north-south across the site.

In addition to the extensive sauropod track, three other shorter tracks were revealed, one of which is a continuation of a trace initially discovered in 2022.

While these findings may not be published continuously, the accumulation of data could lead to even longer orbital patterns.

Minor discoveries at the site included marine invertebrates, plant material, and a crocodile jaw.

Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham stated: “Most of what we comprehend about dinosaurs is derived from their skeletons, but dinosaur footprints and deposits can offer valuable insights into how these creatures lived and the environments they inhabited over 166 million years ago.”

“A significant aspect of this latest excavation involves systematic sampling of the sediments associated with the footprints and those filling the footprints, which are currently under analysis to better understand the environment in which they were formed and how they have been preserved.”

“It is likely that additional footprint surfaces will be uncovered in the coming years, and a comprehensive explanation of their significance, new scientific findings, and potential future conservation of the site will be published soon.”

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Discover New Species of Flat-Headed Herbivorous Dinosaur

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Paleontologists from the United States and the Slovak Republic have identified and named a new genus and species of hadrosaur dinosaur that roamed what is now New Mexico during the Cretaceous period.

Reconstructing the life of Acisresaurus wimani based on the holotype and related species. Image credit: Sergey Krasovskiy.

“Hadrosauridae“, a family of large herbivorous dinosaurs, were once among the most prevalent dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems of the Western Interior Basin of North America for nearly 20 million years,” stated paleontologist Sebastian Dalman from Montana State University, along with colleagues from Harrisburg University, Pennsylvania State University, New Mexico Museum of Natural History, and Pavol Josef Shafarik University.

“Known commonly as ‘duck-billed’ dinosaurs, this group displayed remarkable taxonomic diversity and success during the Cretaceous period.”

“In the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous, hadrosaurids spread across the globe, appearing in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.”

The newly identified species, Acisresaurus wimani, lived during the late Cretaceous period, roughly 75 million years ago.

Fossilized dinosaur bones were uncovered in the geological formations of the Kirtland Formation, located in the A Si Sle Pa Wilderness, situated between Chaco Canyon and the De Na Gin Wilderness in San Juan County, New Mexico.

“The holotype specimen includes a diagnostically incomplete skull, several isolated cranial elements such as the right zygoma, quadrate, and dentary, along with a series of articulated cervical vertebrae,” the researchers noted.

“Besides the holotype, additional specimens from the same layer could also belong to this newly described species, including a well-preserved left dentary, a partial skeleton, and two humeri—one from a large adult and the other from a juvenile.”

In prior research, Acisresaurus wimani was linked to Kritosaurus, an early genus of saurolophine hadrosaurids found in the Kirtland Formation.

Both species share a close relationship within the subfamily Hadrosaurinae, specifically the Saurolophinae.

However, phylogenetic analyses indicate that they are distinct groups existing during the Campanian period of the Cretaceous in southern Laramidia.

“The younger species, Kritosaurus, belongs to the Critosaurini clade, comprising various species from northern Laramidia,” the scientists explained.

“Furthermore, phylogenetic results indicate the existence of a clade that includes Acisresaurus and Naashoibitosaurus, having diverged from Critosaurini in the late Campanian (75 million years ago), alongside two unnamed species in southern Laramidia.”

According to the research team, Naashoibitosaurus and Acisresaurus represent flat-headed saurolophines that could form a new category of hadrosaurids.

“This clade points to the considerable taxonomic diversity of saurolophines, which were prominent herbivorous dinosaurs in southern Laramidia during the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous,” the authors remarked.

“The discovery of a new hadrosaur species in New Mexico reinforces the evidence of latitudinal variation in hadrosaur faunas across Laramidia during the Late Cretaceous.”

The team’s study will be published in the Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

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Sebastian Dalman et al. 2025. A new saurolophine hadrosaurid (Ornithischian: Hadrosauridae) discovered in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Hunter Wash Member, Kirtland Formation, San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science 101

Source: www.sci.news

New Abelisaurid Dinosaur Species Found in Argentina

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Researchers from Argentina, Brazil, and the UK have identified a new genus and species of Abelisaurid Theropod Dinosaur.

Geological map indicating the location of Vitosaura Colozacani in the Los Lanos Formation, La Rioja, Argentina. Image credit: Jiménez Velandia et al., doi: 10.5710/amgh.24.09.2025.3653.

The newly identified dinosaur, Vitosaura Colozacani, existed approximately 80 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.

This ancient species is part of the Abelisaurid family, a group of carnivorous dinosaurs that predominantly thrived in Gondwana throughout the Cretaceous.

Fossil evidence of this family currently comprises over 25 species, with the most comprehensive and well-preserved findings located in Patagonia, Argentina.

“The Abelisauridae is a clade first established in 1985, known for its distinctive features such as a robust and tall skull, well-protected maxillary and frontal areas, a highly compressed axial skeleton, and reduced forelimbs.”

“The discovery of numerous Abelisaurus species over recent decades, mainly on Gondwana’s landmasses, has significantly enhanced our understanding of this theropod lineage.”

“The Abelisauridae represented the predominant clade of theropod dinosaurs during the Cretaceous in Gondwana, with extensive records found in North Africa, India, and Madagascar, extending even into Laurasia, present-day Central Europe.”

“Beyond these findings, this group was remarkably successful in South America, boasting a rich fossil record.”

Fossilized remains of Vitosaura Colozacani were collected during field excursions in 2009 and 2010 at the Los Llanos Formation in La Rioja, northwest Argentina.

“The theropod remains include the first dorsal center, the second dorsal vertebra, a partial sacrum, left ilium, pubic bone, and other uncertain elements,” the paleontologist noted.

“These specimens were found alongside some post-titanosaur remains.”

Vitosaura Colozacani was a medium-sized Abelisaur measuring approximately 4.5-5.5 m (15-18 feet) in length.

The species inhabited a seasonally semi-arid environment where annual rainfall varied between 230 and 450 mm.

“The discovery of Vitosaura Colozacani expands the geographical range of Abelisaurus within the Campania Formation of the Los Lanos Formation in La Rioja; however, the implications of this new species are limited due to its incompleteness and the state of analysis reflected in various phylogenetic studies focusing on Abelisaurus interactions.”

“We believe further research is necessary to enhance the topological robustness of Abelisauridae phylogeny and to discover new materials that could be allocated to Vitosaura Colozacani to more thoroughly test the phylogenetic hypotheses discussed in our study.”

Research findings were published on October 2, 2025, in the journal Ameguinea.

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Harold Zimenez Verandia et al. 2025. A new late Cretaceous species of Abelisaurus from the province of La Rioja in northwestern Argentina. Ameguinea 62(5): 1-23; doi: 10.5710/amgh.24.09.2025.3653.

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

New Species of Dinosaur Discovered Within Crocodile Jaw

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Reconstruction of the artist’s dinosaur Joaquinraptor Casali

Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

During the Cretaceous period, South America was a site of significant dinosaur discoveries.

Named the dinosaur species Joaquinraptor Casali, this megaraptor was uncovered in 2019 along the banks of the Liochico River in Patagonia, Argentina. It is believed to have existed just before the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

Recently, Lucio Ibiricu from the National Council on Science and Technology Research in Tubat, Argentina, and his team conducted an in-depth analysis of the fossil, revealing unexpected findings in the nearly complete skull.

“A relative humerus, likely belonging to an extinct crocodile, was found between the jaws of Joaquinraptor and was in direct contact with its teeth,” states Ibiricu. “This indicates a unique ecological interaction at the time of death.”

Further investigations of the crocodilian humerus are ongoing to ascertain its size, but initial assessments suggest it is considerable, according to Ibiricu.

In addition to the recovered skull, the excavation yielded vertebrae, feet, two claws, arms, legs, and hands. Notably, the thumb claw—approximately the size of a human forearm—could have been effective for tearing the flesh of its prey, according to Ibiricu.

Fossils of other megaraptors have been discovered across Asia, Australia, and South America. Joaquinraptor was first identified close to the Cretaceous period’s end, and it is among the more complete specimens found.

The thumb claw of the dinosaur

Matt Lamanna

The scientific team concluded that the dinosaur was at least 19 years old at the time of its demise, based on the microstructure of the tibia. It measured approximately 7 meters in length and weighed a minimum of 1 tonne.

Meanwhile, Tyrannosaurus Rex was considerably larger and boasted a massive head, as noted by Ibiricu. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that both species represented apex predators within their respective environments.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Uncover a New Species of Iguanodon Dinosaur

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A collaborative team of paleontologists from Portugal, Italy, the United States, and Belgium has enriched their paleontological records with the identification of a new herbivorous dinosaur species: Cariocecus bocagei.

Cariocecus bocagei. Image credit: Victor Feijó de Carvalho.

Cariocecus bocagei inhabited what is now known as Portugal during the Valemia period of the Cretaceous, approximately 125 million years ago.

This newly identified species belonged to the medium-sized Iguanodon group, which includes robust herbivorous dinosaurs with intricate teeth structures.

“The Iguanodon faction plays a significant role in the herbivorous dinosaur fauna across various ecosystems of the Cretaceous period,” stated Dr. Filippo Bertozzo, a paleontologist at the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences and ci2paleo (Centro de Perebierosia de Nature Ecology, Paleontology of Rehabilitation Therapy).

“At the conclusion of the Jurassic, the Iguanodon factions exhibited limited diversity and body size, with the largest being Camptosaurus.

“These dinosaurs were primarily restricted to the central part of the northern landmass of the Jurassic, which now includes modern-day Wyoming, Tanzania, and Portugal.”

“By the mid-Cretaceous, these clades had achieved a worldwide distribution,” they further commented.

“The selective pressures and environmental factors that drove this diversification during the Jurassic to Cretaceous transition remain poorly understood, largely due to the scarcity of iguanodontian fossils in various regions, such as South Africa.

“The Iguanodon faction was among the first dinosaurs to be discovered and researched, with ongoing studies aimed at exploring the anatomical features and their functions,” they remarked.

“Nonetheless, various aspects of the skull, from the function of the supraorbital bone to paleoneurology and sensory systems, continue to be elusive.”

Digital reconstruction of the skull of Cariocecus bocagei. Image credit: Bertozzo et al., doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2536347.

The partial skull of Cariocecus bocagei was uncovered in 2016 along the cliffs of West Portugal from the Paposeco Formation.

This specimen, measuring approximately 37 cm long, is the first Iguanodontian skull recorded in the country.

“The specimen was excavated from the Seco Formation of Papo along the southern coast of the Setubal Peninsula, roughly 200 meters north of Praia de Areia do Mastro,” noted the paleontologist.

“A comprehensive sequence analysis indicates that the early Cretaceous layers found along this coastline were deposited during the fourth and final uplift episodes related to the formation of the Lusitania Basin.”

Upon examining the fossils, researchers identified anatomical characteristics not observed in other Iguanodon species.

“The upper jaw and Jugal bones are flawlessly fused. I have never encountered this in any other iguanodon,” Dr. Bertozzo expressed.

“This isn’t a random anomaly; it’s a genuinely unique feature, confirming it as a new species.”

MicroCT scans enabled scientists to explore the cranial nerves and inner ear with remarkable detail.

“A skull discovery is always significant. It reveals much more than isolated bones,” Dr. Bertozzo commented.

“In this instance, you can observe the impressions of the brain and nerves and even reconstruct parts of the inner ear.”

“The structure of the balance organs and auditory nerves offers insights into how this animal lived and oriented itself.”

“Another notable feature is the unusually low ‘brow’ bones, lower than those of other known Iguanodon factions.”

“This likely supported a heavy brow ridge akin to that of modern eagles.”

“Such structures may have implications for functionality or visibility.”

“The teeth of Cariocecus bocagei also provided remarkable insights,” he added.

“MicroCT scans uncovered not only visible teeth but also replacement teeth embedded within the jaw, designed to replace those that have worn down.”

“This tooth replacement mechanism is characteristic of iguanodons but is rarely observed in earlier species.”

The research team speculates that Cariocecus bocagei may have possessed a stronger bite relative to its kin.

“The discovery of Cariocecus bocagei enhances our understanding of the ecological dynamics within the Lusitania Basin’s early Cretaceous environment, indicating the presence of multiple Iguanodon species, reflecting trends seen in other symbiotic habitats in the UK, Belgium, Spain, and Central Africa,” the authors stated.

“The Valemian diversity in Iguanodon taxa resulted from island endemic events that emerged following the dispersal of dry morphs in North America during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.”

“In conclusion, the discovery of Cariocecus bocagei emphasizes the significance of the Balemian Psien of Hauteribia in the diversification and speciation of Iguanodonians, ultimately leading to the evolution of the more advanced Hadrosaurus in the Turonian period.”

Survey results were published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

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Filippo Bertozzo et al. 2025. Cariocecus bocagei, a new basal hadrosauroid from the Lower Cretaceous period of Portugal. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 23(1); doi:10.1080/14772019.2025.2536347

Source: www.sci.news

The Most Complete and Ancient Dome-Head Dinosaur Fossils Discovered in Mongolia

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Researchers have uncovered the most ancient and well-preserved fossils of Pachycephalosaur, a category of dinosaurs distinguished by their domed skulls in Mongolia. A new study was released in the journal Nature on Wednesday.

The fossils, estimated to be between 108 and 105 million years old, belong to a juvenile of an unidentified species, referred to by scientists as Zavasepharelinpoche.

This discovery took place in the Klen Duk Formation in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, located between China and Russia, and was led by paleontologist Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.

There is limited knowledge about these two-legged herbivores from the Cretaceous period, particularly in North America, but they are considered one of the “most enigmatic” dinosaur groups, according to the study. Their unique bone structures and representations in media like Jurassic Park have made them quite popular.

Previous finds of Pachycephalosaur fossils were largely restricted to skulls.

“You could fit all Pachycephalosaurus [fossils] known worldwide into two bathtubs, more or less. There are very few fossil examples,” remarked Michael Pittman, a paleontologist at China University in Hong Kong, in an interview with NBC News.

Fossilized skull of a dome-headed dinosaur from the Cretaceous period.
Alessandro Chiarenza / Via Reuters

The Mongolian discoveries are considered “most skeletally complete,” providing greater insight into the anatomy of Pachycephalosaurus than previously available.

The individuals identified as Zavasephale were at least two years old and measured approximately three feet in length. More than half of its skeleton has been recovered, featuring long legs, short arms, small hands, and gastroliths, or stones ingested to aid in digesting vegetation.

Though these animals were not fully grown, their skeletons showed already thickened bones above the skull.

The integrity of the fossils “will be a key specimen for understanding how the cranial dome of Pachycephalosaurus evolved,” said Chinzorig, based on insights from the National Museum of History in London.

Scientists have proposed that Pachycephalosaurus may have engaged in head-butting behavior or used their domes to attract mates, though the precise function of the dome is still undetermined.

These fossils are approximately 15 million years older than previously found Pachycephalosaurus specimens, enhancing our understanding of dinosaur evolution.

“This is the oldest variety we’ve encountered, thus providing insight into what earlier species looked like and how they evolved over time,” stated Pittman. “The discovery of earlier specimens indicates that they have possessed this dome for quite a while.”

Zavasephale was smaller than later species of Pachycephalosaurs, growing to an estimated length of about 14 feet.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Incredible Amber Deposits Have Preserved Insects Since the Dinosaur Era

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Amber-preserved midge discovered in Ecuador

Mónica Solórzano-Kraemer

A remarkable collection of insects and a spider web encased in amber from 112 million years ago has been discovered in quarries within the Amazon rainforest.

Xavier Delclòs from the University of Barcelona, along with his team, learned that amber—resulting from fossilized tree resin—had been unearthed from the Genobeva quarry in eastern Ecuador’s Oriente Basin, prompting them to investigate the site in 2022.

The amber from this region is believed to originate from the resin of coniferous trees from the Araucaria family, prominent when modern-day Ecuador was part of the ancient Gondwana Supercontinent.

Amber deposits are sourced from two primary origins: the tree crown and the roots. Substances from the ground may entrap remnants of insects and other organisms in resin, later turning into amber—a process known as Bioin Crucion.

While most amber found in the quarry originated from underground sources, during initial diggings, the team collected 60 notable pieces of ground amber for further study in the lab.

Over a third of these specimens showcased the bioencapsulation of various insects, plants, and even spider webs, dating back to the Cretaceous period, particularly from the Mozazo era. “This is the first time [Mesozoic] amber with insects and spider biopackages has been discovered in South America, and they are certainly new species,” states Delclòs.

The insect specimens included diverse species of flies, bees, beetles, and mosquitoes. All thrived in a humid forest environment during the age of dinosaurs, likely near abundant lakes, rivers, and marshes necessary for some species’ life cycles.

Polypore beetle encased in amber discovered in Ecuador

Enrique Peñalver

Visitors to the site are definitely advised to use insect repellent. “And perhaps look for a way to avoid encounters with carnivorous dinosaurs,” he humorously suggests.

“Some mosquitoes exhibit blood-feeding behavior, implying that they at one time relied on vertebrate blood, possibly from birds or non-avian dinosaurs,” he notes.

However, the dinosaur DNA that mosquitoes may have ingested from amber is likely compromised by the chemical properties of resin. “We cannot recreate a Jurassic Park from Cretaceous amber, certainly not with current techniques,” Delclòs remarks.

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Discovery of a New Pakisephalosaur Species: A Dome-Headed Dinosaur Unearthed in Mongolia

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Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of pachycephalosaur in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. These fossils are the most complete and geologically oldest Pachycephalosaurus specimens discovered worldwide.

A young zavacephale rinpoche engaged in a territorial duel along the shores of a lake 108 million years ago. Image credit: Masaya Hattori.

“The Pakisepalosaurus, akin to the dome-headed dinosaurs, is one of the most intriguing dinosaurs,” states Dr. Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, a researcher affiliated with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Paleontology at North Carolina State University.

“It is thought that members of this group, characterized by their enlarged skull roofs and intricate skull features, developed a complex social structure.”

“Despite their crucial role in comprehending dinosaur behavioral ecology, the absence of uncontested early species has hindered our understanding of their origins and the reconstruction of early evolution.”

This new pachycephalosaur species has been named zavacephale rinpoche, which thrived in Mongolia during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 108 million years ago.

During this period, the region was a valley adorned with lakes and flanked by cliffs and wetlands.

“zavacephale rinpoche predates the known Pakisepalosaur fossils by about 15 million years,” Dr. Chinzorig notes.

“It was a small creature, measuring less than 1 meter (3 feet) in length, yet it stands as the most complete specimen discovered to date.”

Fossilized remains of zavacephale rinpoche were found in the Klen Duk Formation within the East Gobi Basin.

“zavacephale rinpoche represents a vital specimen for deciphering the evolution of the Pachycephalosaurus’s cranial dome. This has been a topic of debate for quite some time, given the lack of early divergent or pre-rear Cretaceous species and the fragmentary nature of most Pachyphalosaurus fossils,” Dr. Chinzorig explained.

“We’ve encountered many unique experiences worldwide,” remarked Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and director of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

“The domes likely provided no defense against predators or help in thermoregulation; thus, they were probably a means of display for social interactions.”

“If you seek to establish a relationship, I suggest starting your rehearsals early,” she adds.

zavacephale rinpoche fills a significant gap in the timeline of Pachycephalosaurs.

“This specimen is a unique discovery,” Dr. Zanno emphasized.

“Not only does it push the fossil record of this group back by at least 15 million years, but it is also the oldest and most well-preserved Pachycephalosaurus known, offering profound insights into its anatomy and biology, including the use of gastroliths to aid in digestion.”

“The newly recovered materials from zavacephale rinpoche are helping to reconstruct our understanding of the paleobiology, locomotion, and anatomy of these enigmatic dinosaurs, including aspects of their hands, gastroliths, and the articulated tails with preserved tendons,” Dr. Chinzorig concluded.

The findings are detailed in a study published today in the journal Nature.

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T. Chinzorig et al. A dome-shaped Pakisephalosaurus from Mongolia’s early Cretaceous period. Nature Published online on September 17th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Validates the Presence of Partial Hemoglobin in Dinosaur Artifacts

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By utilizing a technique known as Resonance Raman Spectroscopy, paleontologists have discovered hemoglobin remnants in bone extracts of two dinosaur species, Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Tyrannosaurus Rex, confirming that these molecules are original components from these dinosaurs.

Bright field images depict ostrich containers soaked in hemoglobin under oxygenation conditions, as compared to those under deoxygenation conditions. Brachylophosaurus canadensis (a) and Tyrannosaurus Rex (d) bone. Scale bar – 0.5 mm in (AC) and 0.2 mm in (D). Image credit: Long et al., doi: 10.1098/rspa.2025.0175.

Soft tissue, which maintains some of its original properties, has been recovered from numerous Mesozoic vertebrate sites.

Specifically, the chemical composition of soft tissues from the two non-bird dinosaur species, Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Tyrannosaurus Rex, has been studied extensively over the last 20 years.

All evidence supports the hypothesis that these tissues are endogenous to once-living dinosaurs.

In a recent study, Professor Hans Harren and his team from North Carolina State University employed tissue resonance Raman (RR) imaging to verify the presence of hemes, globin proteins, and minerals linked to iron oxidation.

“Raman spectroscopy essentially utilizes light waves to identify the energetic ‘fingerprint’ of a molecule,” stated Professor Harren.

“The resonant Raman method employed here enhances that process through light that has been pre-conditioned to resonate with the molecule of interest, ensuring that only that specific type of molecule resonates.”

“Moreover, this molecular resonance produces a stronger signal, enabling that signal to effectively ‘overwhelm’ those from other types of molecules.”

“This powerful signal allows us to discover needles (hemoglobin remnants) in haystacks (complex fossils), revealing how this molecule has transformed from its living conditions and indicating that chemically altered molecules have endured over deep time.”

The researchers utilized RR imaging to focus on molecules bound to hemoglobin.

They analyzed samples from Brachylophosaurus canadensis, Tyrannosaurus Rex, ostrich bones (Struthio camelus), and human blood.

“The elevated signal indicates hemoglobin presence, while fluctuations in signal may lead to goethite formation from iron within hemoglobin as it deteriorates,” Professor Harren noted.

“We can also pinpoint damage to structures such as the hem ring.”

“This phenomenon was observed in both contemporary and ancient samples.”

The findings also eliminate the possibility of sample contamination.

“Raman spectroscopy reveals existing molecular bonds, but because molecular bonds are non-exclusive, they can derive from various sources.”

“RR imaging identifies both binding and structure. We can confirm that the heme is intact and still affiliated with the hemoglobin protein, distinguishing it as originating from an animal, or in this situation, a dinosaur, since contaminants like bacteria lack specific binding.”

Furthermore, scientists emphasize that comprehending the deterioration and alterations of heme over time can shed light on fossilization processes and explain the longevity of molecules over millions of years.

“The most significant discovery is our ability to demonstrate that hemoglobin fragments can endure for thousands of years, while also gaining valuable insights into the evolution of these molecules,” Professor Harren remarked.

“Goethite is a bio-related mineral crystal, meaning it forms from biological influences.”

“However, I was unaware that it could bind and stabilize protein fragments.”

“Hemes are found in deposits much older than dinosaurs, reinforcing our understanding of their durability,” Professor Schweitzer stated.

“Understanding the preservation of hemoglobin and the role of heme in this process is crucial for deciphering how such ancient molecules persist over time.”

The study will be published in Proceedings of the Royal Society A.

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BJN Long et al. 2025. Resonant Raman confirms the preservation of partial hemoglobin in dinosaur fossils. Proc. R. Soc. A 481 (2321): 20250175; doi: 10.1098/rspa.2025.0175

Source: www.sci.news

The Extinction of a Dinosaur: A Dramatic Transformation of Earth’s Landscape

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Large dinosaurs such as Titanosaurus significantly influenced their ecosystems

Christian Jegou/Science Photography Library

The extinction of dinosaurs had profound consequences for Earth, leading to significant alterations in the planet’s landscapes, including shifts in river systems.

There is a clear distinction between various rock formations in North America before and after the end of the dinosaurs during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-PG) extinction event approximately 66 million years ago, triggered by the Chicxulub asteroid impact in the Yucatan Peninsula.

For example, the Green Gray Mudstone, recognized as the Hell Creek Formation from the dinosaur period, transitions into the more vivid pajama-striped layers of the Fort Union Formation, which hosts many lignite-rich charcoals from plant material that surfaced with the rise of mammals.

This transition was initially attributed to the direct impacts of asteroid strikes, such as increased rainfall. However, Luke Weaver from the University of Michigan and his team propose another explanation.

They examined floodplain areas in the western United States, revealing abrupt geological changes around the K-PG boundary, particularly in the Williston Basin, stretching across parts of Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas.

The multifaceted colorful layers from the Post-dinosaur period are believed to be deposits formed by rising water levels, creating temporary ponds. However, Weaver and his colleagues did not find supporting literature on water level changes during this era.

“There’s no evidence of extremely high water tables or particularly wet conditions,” he says. While there was an intrusion of seawater inland, the nearest instance occurred at least 300,000 years after the K-PG boundary.

Weaver’s team argues that significant sandstone layers formed post-K-PG boundary are indicative of large, stable rivers, known as Point Bar deposits, instead of temporary pond deposits. These layers can exceed 10 meters in thickness, reflecting the stability of these rivers.

Researchers attribute these findings to the extinction of dinosaurs. They propose that, like today’s large herbivores, dinosaurs were ecological engineers, disrupting vegetation, trampling, and grazing seedlings, inhibiting new plant growth.

“These creatures were colossal compared to modern fauna,” Weaver notes. For instance, while a contemporary elephant weighs around 5,000 kilograms, a Triceratops could weigh at least double that.

As they moved through and destroyed vegetation, the rivers would have flooded periodically instead of winding through forests. This change ultimately led to the expansion of marshy mudstone, according to Weaver. Once the dinosaurs vanished, tree roots stabilized the sediments, allowing water to flow through a meandering riverbed, thus creating point bars.

“This illustrates a landscape where biology plays a crucial role,” Weaver observes. Animals, he argues, significantly modify their environments, much like humans have drastically altered Earth’s landscapes.

Christopher Doughty from Northern Arizona University believes this perspective better explains the observed geological transformations than earlier theories. “In contemporary studies where large animals are removed from ecosystems, tree cover significantly increases,” he mentions. “With the extinction of dinosaurs, there were no longer large animals capable of uprooting trees. This led to a decrease in herbivory and reduced the disturbance of seedlings giving rise to robust tree growth.”

However, Cat Schroder from the University of New Mexico remains skeptical. “While there seems to be a correlation between large dinosaurs and open nutritional landscapes, causality hasn’t been established yet,” she says. “Forests thrived before, during, and after the age of dinosaurs.”

Doughty is using isotopic analysis of fossil leaves to investigate how forest structures have shifted since the dinosaurs went extinct.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Discover New Triassic Dinosaur Species

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The sizable jaws of the predatory alxaurus species from the latest Triassic period in South Wales, Zanclodon cambrensis, have long captivated researchers. Could it be the oldest large theropod dinosaur? In a recent study, paleontologists from the University of Bristol and Cardiff’s National Museum examined the specimens using advanced 3D digital reconstruction techniques. They first confirmed that the specimens dated to the late Triassic period, likely sourced from the sandstones of the Kotam members of the Lilstock Formation. Anatomically, these specimens exhibit characteristics typical of theropod dinosaurs, potentially representing early, novel therapy-footed species such as Newtonsaurus cambrensis.

Two separate blocks containing the impression of the jaw Newtonsaurus cambrensis. Image credit: Evans et al., doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101142.

“This specimen has been mentioned in various scientific papers, yet its identity remains elusive. We were uncertain if it was even a dinosaur,” states Dr. Owain Evans, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol.

“Originally named Zanclodon cambrensis by Edwin Tully Newton in 1899, we learned that the name Zanclodon had been abandoned as it referred to a broad range of early reptiles.”

“Therefore, we honor Newton by naming it Newtonsaurus. It stands apart from all other dinosaurs of that time and warrants a unique designation.”

Newtonsaurus cambrensis roamed the Earth approximately 202 million years ago during the late Triassic.

The fossil was uncovered in a tempestuous area near Bridgend, Wales, UK.

The specimen represents the natural form of the left jaw, revealing both its interior (housed at the National Museum of Wales) and the outer surface (held at the British Geological Survey).

“The natural form of the inner and outer jawbone displays astonishing serrated details along the grooves, ridges, teeth, and even the edges of the teeth,” commented Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol.

“We opted to create a 3D model utilizing digital photography.”

“Our process began with surface scans of the fossils through photogrammetry.”

“Once I obtained a digital scan, I reversed it which provided a digital negativity.”

“It was simply a matter of merging both sides and analyzing the anatomy from there.”

“Digital reconstructions derived from specimens give us a considerably clearer understanding of the original structure of the bone.”

Now that the fossils have been examined, the team could utilize their anatomy to ascertain their positions in the reptile family tree, determining importantly whether they are dinosaurs.

“We can assert that this specimen is highly likely a member of the large predatory theropod dinosaurs that inhabited the South Wales coast during the late Triassic,” Dr. Evans remarked.

“The arrangement of the teeth exhibits a distinct, extraordinary dinosaur feature, identifying it as a carnivorous predator.”

“If it’s not a true dinosaur, it closely ties to the origins of the two major divisions of Coelophysis, namely Coelophysodia and Averostra.”

“The most surprising aspect is the size of the creature. The preserved jawbone measures 28 cm in length and constitutes just the front half; originally, it likely corresponded to dinosaurs measuring 60 cm in length, with a total body length of 5-7 m.”

“This size is exceptionally large for Triassic theropods, which predominantly were under half that size.”

“Such historical specimens are invaluable in paleontology, frequently yielding new and enlightening insights, even after years of dormancy in collections,” stated Dr. Cindy Howells, a paleontologist at the National Museum in Cardiff.

“Wales holds a treasure trove of fossil records, with a dense concentration of fossils across the UK.”

“Furthermore, Newtonsaurus cambrensis reiterates the significance of Wales in paleontological exploration.”

“These Triassic strata are scarce worldwide, but several can be found in Wales.”

“It’s quite plausible that another dinosaur may be discovered here.”

Survey results were published online today in Proceedings of the Geologists Association.

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Owain Evans et al. A reevaluation of a large orxaurial dentistry from the Late Triassic in South Wales, England. Proceedings of the Geologists Association published online on September 11th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101142

Source: www.sci.news

New Species of Herbivorous Dinosaur Discovered

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Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new genus and species of eusauropod dinosaurs from the early Jurassic period in China.

Mamenchisaurus Young, sister species Huashanosaurus Qini. Image credit: Steveoc 86/cc by-sa 2.5.

Named Huashanosaurus Qini, this new dinosaur species is estimated to be about 12 m (39 feet) in length.

It existed in the Cantonese Autonomous Region of present-day China approximately 200 to 162 million years ago.

“The Jurassic sauropods are notably abundant in China, particularly in regions like Yunnan, Sichuan, and Xinjiang, with fewer known areas such as Ganshu, Ningxia, Anhui, Tibet, and Gitsou.”

“In Guangzhou, the record of Jurassic dinosaur fossils is limited compared to those from the Cretaceous period.”

Two specimens of Huashanosaurus Qini, including partial skeletons, were collected from Huqiu Quarry, part of The King’s Formation, located east of Guangzhou in southern China.

The site also yielded some bone fish scales, teeth (likely from Scalpidotes sp.), incomplete plesiosaur teeth, and fragmentary dinosaur bones.

“There is an ongoing debate regarding the geological age of the Prince Formation,” remarked the paleontologists.

“Initially thought to be early Jurassic, the formation has limited paleontological evidence.”

“Scientists are considering it to date from early to mid-Jurassic due to the presence of larger species from this era.”

The team indicates that Huashanosaurus Qini is a member of eusauropoda, a derived group of sauropod dinosaurs.

“This marks Guangzhou’s second eusauropod discovery,” the researcher noted.

“The first eusauropod described, Jingia dongxingensis, was excavated from the late Jurassic Dung Xing Formation.”

The discovery of Huashanosaurus Qini adds valuable information to the understanding of the evolutionary diversification of eusauropod dinosaurs.

“Huashanosaurus Qini is positioned more basally than early Jurassic forms like Balcanodon, Tazoudasaurus, and Goncyanosaurus, as well as early to mid-Jurassic representatives such as Barapasaurus,” stated the scientist.

“It is generally accepted that the main radiation of eusauropods occurred towards the end of the early Jurassic and the early Jurassic intervals.”

“From this perspective, the discovery of Huashanosaurus Qini provides further evidence for early to mid-King’s age.”

Survey results have been published in the journal Acta Geologica Sinica.

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Jinyou Mo et al. 2025. A new eusauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic Prince Formation in lower and central Nieming County in Guangzhou, southern China. Acta Geologica Sinica 99(4): 909-924; doi: 10.1111/1755-6724.15331

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover Mesozoic Carbon Dioxide Levels and Photosynthesis Through Dinosaur Tooth Enamel Analysis

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During the Mesozoic era, from 252 to 66 million years ago, analyses of the oxygen isotope composition in dinosaur teeth revealed that the atmosphere contained significantly more carbon dioxide than it does today, with global plant photosynthesis levels roughly double those of the present.

Fossil teeth of Camarasaurus from the Morrison Formation in the US. Image credit: sauriermuseum aathal.

A study conducted by Göttingen University and researcher Dr. Dingsu Feng examined the dental enamel of dinosaurs that roamed North America, Africa, and Europe during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.

“Enamel is one of the most stable biological materials,” they explained.

“It captures different oxygen isotopes based on the air dinosaurs inhaled with each breath.”

“The isotope ratios of oxygen reflect fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide and plant photosynthesis.”

“This connection allows us to infer insights about the climate and vegetation of the dinosaur era.”

“During the late Jurassic, about 150 million years ago, the air contained four times more carbon dioxide than before industrialization, prior to significant human emissions of greenhouse gases.”

“In the late Cretaceous, around 730 to 66 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels were three times higher than today.”

Teeth from two dinosaur species, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Kaatedocus siberi, showed an exceptionally unique oxygen isotope composition.

This phenomenon is indicative of carbon dioxide spikes linked to major geological events like volcanic eruptions—such as the massive eruption of the Deccan Traps in India at the close of the Cretaceous period.

The heightened photosynthetic activity of plants at that time on both land and water is likely associated with elevated carbon dioxide levels and higher average annual temperatures.

This research marks a milestone in paleoclimatology. Historically, soil and marine proxy carbonates have served as the primary tools for reconstructing past climates.

Marine proxies, which are indicators of sediment fossils and chemical signatures, help scientists comprehend ancient marine environmental conditions, yet these methods often involve uncertainties.

“Our approach offers a fresh perspective on the planet’s history,” Dr. Fenn remarked.

“It paves the way to use fossilized tooth enamel for probing the composition of Earth’s atmosphere and plant productivity during that era.”

“Understanding these factors is crucial for grasping long-term climate dynamics.”

“Dinosaurs may well become new climate scientists, as their teeth have recorded climate data for over 150 million years. At last, we have received their message.”

Study published on August 4, 2025, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Dingsu Feng et al. 2025. Mesozoic Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations reconstructed from the enamel of dinosaur teeth. PNAS 122 (33): E2504324122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2504324122

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Identified Freshwater Turtle Species Thrived During Dinosaur Extinction

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Paleontologists have introduced a new genus and species of stem cell turtles, based on complete fossil shells discovered in the early Ale Holocene Denver Formation in Colorado.

Reconstruction of Tavachelydra stevensoni in a water environment with logs. Image credit: Andrey Atuchin.

Tavachelydra stevensoni existed in present-day US during the late Ale Holocene, approximately 66-65 million years ago, shortly after the mass extinction event.

The species is part of the Chelydridae family of freshwater turtles, which includes at least seven extinct species and two extant genera.

“The clade of extant Chelydrid turtles (Chelydridae) comprises five species native to the New World,” stated Dr. Tyler Lyson from the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences and his team.

“Though not a varied clade, Chelydrid turtles are commonly found in most North American freshwater ecosystems.”

“The broader group of Chelydrids (i.e., Pan-Chelydridae) is present throughout Laurasia, but their fossil records are notoriously fragmented.”

Fossilized shells and two skulls of Tavachelydra stevensoni were found in the Corral Bluffs survey area in El Paso County, southern Colorado, east of Colorado Springs.

“The straight shell measures nearly 50 cm in length, making Tavachelydra stevensoni one of the larger turtles from the early Ale (Puercan) of the Denver Basin,” remarked the paleontologist.

“Interestingly, two Pan-Chelydrid turtles coexisted during the early Middle Age of this formation: Tavachelydra stevensoni and Denverus middletonii.

“The size difference is significant, with Tavachelydra stevensoni being at least four times larger than Denverus middletonii, which may have reduced competition between the two species in overlapping geographical ranges.”

Although little is known about the paleoenvironment of the single known specimen of Denverus middletonii, the yellow sandstone of fine to medium grain was initially interpreted as channel fill.

In contrast, the two specimens of Tavachelydra stevensoni suggest that they were likely found in ponded waters or sediments, indicating they lived in sediment-rich areas such as overbank deposits.

“While little can be said about the diet of Denverus middletonii due to the lack of skull preservation, the skulls of Tavachelydra stevensoni show large, wide, flat surfaces, likely used to consume hard-shelled organisms such as corals, shelled mollusks, and crabs,” noted the researchers.

“Thus, it seems plausible that Denverus middletonii and Tavachelydra stevensoni occupied distinct ecological niches, with Tavachelydra stevensoni preferring a pond habitat and a durophagous diet.”

“Remarkably, turtle species with a durophagous diet have shown higher survival rates during mass extinction events compared to those with softer diets.”

In addition to the presumed dietary habits of Tavachelydra stevensoni, other common reptiles from the same sedimentary formation include the button-toothed crocodile Cf. Wangonacosuchus and Baenid turtles such as Paratabena nerrellum, Succersies gilberti, and Cedrobaena putrius.

“This indicates that durophagy was a significant life history trait for the earliest Ale-Holocene freshwater vertebrates in North America.”

The discovery of Tavachelydra stevensoni is detailed in a paper published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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TR Lyson et al. 2025. New pan-chlydrid turtle, Tavachelydra stevensoni gen. et sp. from the Coral Bluffs area, Lower Aleapione (early Danian, Puercan), Denver Basin, Colorado. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 46; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00375-4

Source: www.sci.news

New Dinosaur Species with a Sail Found on the Isle of Wight

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LONDON – A former graduate student who studied fossils dating back 125 million years has made a significant discovery by identifying a new species of dinosaur characterized by sails on its back.

Survey results, published in the Paleontology Journal on Friday, link this discovery to fossils first unearthed on the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, during the 1970s.

Initially, these fossil bones were believed to belong to one of two known species of the Iguanodon type found on the island. However, retired doctor Jeremy Lockwood remarked he observed a peculiar difference in the spinal structure of the fossils while pursuing his doctoral studies in paleontology at the University of Portsmouth.

Having a medical background, Lockwood noted that these dinosaurs exhibited an unusually tall neurospinus.

After meticulously examining several bones in the collections of Dinosaur Island on the Isle of Wight and reviewing existing literature, he concluded that this specimen is a completely distinct species.

Although the skeletons were less complete than other known specimens, Lockwood stated in a release from the Museum of Natural History in London that the bones had not received adequate attention prior to his analysis.

Detailed images of two consecutive dorsal vertebrae of the macarserae vertebral musculoskeletal.
Via Wiley Online Library

“It was incredible,” Lockwood shared with NBC News in a phone interview on Friday. “We discovered that 125 million years ago, the diversity of dinosaurs was far greater than we had previously thought.”

The exact purpose of the sails in dinosaurs has sparked long-standing debates, with theories ranging from temperature control to fat storage.

Several other dinosaur species are also known to possess sails.

For this new species, “the most plausible explanation for the sail is visual signaling, likely as part of a sexual display often influenced by mate selection,” Lockwood noted.

“For me, the thrill lies in naming the dinosaurs,” Lockwood added.

Lockwood, as the lead author of the paper, named the new dinosaur Istiorachis macarthurae. The term Isthiolatis is derived from the ancient Greek words meaning “sail spine,” referring to the tall sail-like formations along the creature’s back.

Macarthurae pays tribute to the well-known island resident Ellen MacArthur, who is also a sailor from the Isle of Wight.

“It’s certainly not an everyday occurrence to be asked if a newly identified dinosaur can bear your name!” MacArthur said in a statement.

“I was quite taken aback when this conversation started, but I felt incredibly honored to be asked.”

“It’s extraordinary and a great privilege that a creature from 125 million years ago could share my last name,” MacArthur remarked.

“The notion that it could rival the sails I’ve spent much of my life beneath was truly touching.”

“125 million years ago, this dinosaur also inhabited the island,” Lockwood said. “I prefer naming dinosaurs in a way that connects them to the Isle of Wight, as it holds significant paleontological importance.”

The new species is relatively small by dinosaur standards, comparable in size to an American bison.

According to Lockwood, this discovery adds to a legacy of findings on the island, which has seen the identification of 10 new dinosaur species over the past six years.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

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.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Uncover First Evidence of a Multi-Species Dinosaur Herd

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Paleontologists have uncovered footprints that are 76 million years old, belonging to a dominant group of Ceratopsian dinosaurs, in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This remarkable finding is the first indication of herd behavior among mixed dinosaur species, reminiscent of how modern wildebeests and zebras flock together on the African savannas.

Salatopsian herd (Styracosaurus albertensis) accompanied by ankylosaurus (Euplocephalus tutus) walking through old river channels under the watchful eyes of two Tyrannosaurus (Golgosaurus libratus). Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.

Dinosaur Provincial Park, located in southern Alberta, Canada, is one of the premier regions in the world for studying late Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems.

The park yields hundreds of dinosaur skeletal remains and a vast array of bones and teeth, making it a prime location for exploring dinosaur evolution, behavior, biological introduction, and paleoecology.

Despite the wealth of skeletal remains, dinosaur footprints and trackways are surprisingly uncommon.

“In 2024, we discovered a new track site, a skyline track site containing ‘typical’ natural mold tracks that had not been identified in the park before,” stated Dr. Phil Bell and his colleagues at the University of New England.

At this site, paleontologists uncovered 13 Seratopsia (horned dinosaurs) tracks, showing at least five animals walking side by side, along with an ankylosaurus (armored dinosaur) that might have been walking among them.

They were also intrigued to find two large Tyrannosaurus tracks alongside the group. Additionally, a footprint from a smaller meat-eating dinosaur was also discovered.

View of the Skyline Track Site immediately after its discovery (a) and during excavation (b). Image credits: Bell et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324913.

“I have been collecting dinosaur bones in Dinosaur Provincial Park for nearly two decades, but I had never given much thought to footprints,” remarked Dr. Bell.

“The edge of this rock had a mud-like appearance that caught between my toes, which immediately intrigued me.”

“The Tyrannosaurus tracks give the impression that they are truly observing the herd.”

“It was thrilling to see them walking in the footprints of dinosaurs 76 million years after they went extinct,” said Dr. Brian Pickles from Reading College.

“Using innovative search techniques, we were able to locate several additional track sites throughout the park’s diverse terrain. We will provide further details on how these captivating creatures interacted and behaved in their ecosystems.”

“This discovery highlights the vast amount left to uncover in dinosaur paleontology,” noted Dr. Caleb Brown, PhD, from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.

“Dinosaur Park boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive dinosaur collections and studies, with over a century of dedicated research. Only now are we beginning to fully explore the potential of dinosaur trackways.”

The findings are published in a paper in the journal PLOS 1.

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PR Bell et al. 2025. A track site controlled by Ceratopsids from the Campanian in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. PLOS 1 20(7): E0324913; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324913

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Herbivorous Dinosaur Discovered in Argentina, Dating Back 95 Million Years

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Paleontologists from Argentine Patagonia have unearthed parts of the posterior skull from the previously unknown sauropod dinosaur, Levvatissaurus.

Reconstruction of the life of Astigmasaura genuflexa. Image credit: Mattia Yuri Messina.

The newly identified dinosaurs thrived in what is modern-day Argentina during the late Cretaceous period, around 95 million years ago.

This species has been scientifically named Astigmasaura ungflexa and measured approximately 18 meters (59 feet) in length, weighing over 10 tons.

These ancient giants belong to the Rebbachisauridae, a large family of sauropod dinosaurs within the superfamily Diplodocoidea.

“Rebbachisaurids are medium to large, non-selective, ground-level browsers, characterized by highly specialized skulls, elongated axial elements, and gracile appendicular skeletons.”

“Fossils from Levubatisaurus, spanning the early to late Cretaceous, are particularly diverse within the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, with numerous specimens discovered in North Africa and South America.”

“Notably, Patagonia has produced more than half of all known rebbachisaurids, including the earliest forms and the most recent Rebbachisaurus.”

Fieldwork in the El Orejano region of the Huncul Formation in Patagonia, Argentina. Image credit: Flavio Bellardini.

Fossilized remains of Astigmasaura ungflexa were found in the El Orejano area of the Huncul Formation within the Neuquén Basin in Patagonia, Argentina.

The material type of Astigmasaura ungflexa was described by paleontologists.

This new species represents one of the last Levubatisaurus dinosaurs before it went extinct around 90 million years ago.

“Astigmasaura ungflexa shares a variety of traits with other rebbachisaurids, including anterior caudal vertebrae with tall neural spines and tetrameric nerve layers, an asymmetrical neural arch, a mesolaterally compressed proximal tibia, and medially tilted distal condyles and femurs,” the researchers noted.

“Furthermore, Astigmasaura ungflexa displays a unique combination of diagnostic features that set it apart from all other sauropods.”

“This new finding not only enhances our understanding of the previously unexplored caudal and pelvic girdle anatomy of Rebbachisauridae but also indicates greater taxonomic diversity within the family during the late stages of evolutionary history than previously recognized.”

The team’s paper was published online in the journal Cretaceous Research.

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Flavio Berardini et al. 2025. Alongside the Titans: a new Levuvacisaur dinosaur from the Huncul Formation (Upper Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Cretaceous Research 176:106188; doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106188

Source: www.sci.news

Triassic Sauropod Dinosaur Fossils Unearthed in Switzerland

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Paleontologists have unearthed the skeletal remains of a completely new and unnamed Masopodan Sauropodmorph dinosaur in the Cretgau Formation of Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

Clear skull of a new Masopodian sauropod dinosaur in view on the right. Scale bar – 5 cm. Image credits: Lanier et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6.

The newly found fossil is estimated to be from the late Triassic Epoch Norian period, around 206 million years ago.

This dinosaur was previously associated with an unidentified member of Masopoda, a vast group of Sauropodmorph dinosaurs that existed during the late Triassic to late Cretaceous epochs.

“Among Mesozoic terrestrial vertebrates, Sauropodomorpha stands out as one of the most successful dinosaur clades, becoming a dominant herbivore component in both Late Triassic and Jurassic paleoecosystems, with a wide global distribution from Antarctica to Greenland,” stated Dr. Alessandro Lania from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and his Swiss colleagues.

“The origin of Sauropodmorph can be traced back to the early late Triassic on the Gondwanan continent, with the oldest examples found in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and North America.”

“Based on the South American fossil record, we offer a detailed understanding of the early evolution of sauropods, moving away from a limited number of strains characterized by small size, bipedal locomotion, and a carnivorous diet. This heralds a shift to medium and large body plans, quadrupedal dynamics, and a transition to herbivorous habits in the Norian-Flyzia period.”

Moreover, this notable increase in the diversity of Sauropodmorph in South Pangea during the Norian period is evident through the emergence of new major lineages like Masopoda and Sauropodiformo, marking a significant morphological divergence.

The partially complete skeleton of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph was discovered in 2013 at the top of the fossil horizon within the Gruharde members of the Kretgau Formation in Flick, Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

“The Kretgau Formation represents one of the most extensive stratigraphic sequences of the Late Triassic in Europe, consisting of a diverse, petrologically heterogeneous series of deposits spanning approximately 26 to 30 million years, from early Karnians to late Lechan,” explained the paleontologist.

“The Kretgau Formation can be seen in various locations across Switzerland, documenting discontinuous sequences of varied Playa deposits influenced by river and oceanic processes, reflecting several lateral paleoenvironmental shifts throughout the stratigraphy.”

This new specimen signifies the first den Plate Saurus of the Canton Aargau sauropods and Swiss sauropods from the 4th Triassic, distinguishing them from non-Sauropodian Sauropodmorph.

“Osteologic investigations combined with morphological comparisons have clarified the anatomy of mosaic cranial cephalogenesis, integrating typical features of non-masopodian plasal aurians and Masopodian sauropods, like Coloradisaurus Brevis from Argentina,” the researcher commented.

According to the authors, this dinosaur represents the first non-Sauropod-type masopodian from Laurasia.

“Interestingly, this scenario raises the hypothesis of the European origins of early Jurassic Masopodans from late Triassic Asia, though more evidence is needed to substantiate this,” they stated.

“Additionally, these fossils enhance our understanding of cranial variability and body diversity in Norian sauropodomorphs in Laurasia, paralleling those in Gondwana, particularly in South America and Africa.”

The team’s paper was published this month in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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A. Rania et al. 2025. Cranial osteology of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph (dinosaurs: saury) from the late Triassic period (latest Norian) of Switzerland. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 39; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a Gigantic New Sauropod Dinosaur Species in China

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Chinese paleontologists have uncovered the fossilized skeleton of the colossal Mamenchisaurus dinosaurs, heralding a remarkable new genus from the late Jurassic epoch.

Fossil remains of Tongnanlong Zhimingi. Image credit: Wei et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-09796-0.

The newly identified species inhabited southwestern China approximately 147 million years ago (late Jurassic epoch).

Scientifically designated as Tongnanlong Zhimingi, this sauropod dinosaur measured around 23-28 m (75.5-92 feet) in length.

“Sauropods are enormous, herbivorous quadrupeds and represent the largest terrestrial dinosaurs that ever existed,” remarked Dr. Xuefang Wei, a researcher from the Western Center for China Geological Survey.

“They first appeared in the late Triassic period, spread globally by the Middle Jurassic, and ultimately went extinct at the end of the late Cretaceous period.”

More than 150 genera have been documented, including over 20 genera from the Jurassic period within China.

“Southwest China is a significant area for Jurassic sauropod discoveries, particularly in the Sichuan Basin,” they added.

The sauropod fauna found in the Jurassic Sichuan Basin was once considered an endemic population distinct from the terrestrial fauna of Pangaea.

This distribution was often explained by the East Asian seclusion hypothesis, suggested to have occurred between the Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods.

However, this hypothesis faces challenges from recent phylogenetic analyses conducted in China, as well as the discovery of Neosaurupod dinosaurs, including a Mamenchisaur dinosaur found in Africa.

The holotype specimen of Tongnanlong Zhimingi was excavated from a construction site in the Dongnan district of the Chonging region within the Sichuan Basin.

This includes three dorsal vertebrae, six caudal vertebrae, scapulae, coracoids, and hind limb bones.

“Our fieldwork indicates that the fossil site belongs to the upper part of the Jurassic. The Monitor formations are situated above Quaternary sediments,” noted the paleontologist.

“The Sorning Formation is composed of purple-red mudstone and sandstone.”

“The layer is rich in invertebrate fossils, including various freshwater Conchostracans, particularly ostracods and stone trails.”

Several vertebrates are identified from this layer, such as fish Ceratodus szechuanensis, turtle Plesiochelys Tatsuensis, and dinosaurs like Mamenchisaurus anyuensis.

Anatomical and phylogenetic studies affirmed that Tongnanlong Zhimingi is part of the sauropod dinosaur family Mamenchisauridae.

“Mamenchisauridae was not a fauna confined to East Asia, but rather had a global distribution during the late Jurassic period,” the researchers concluded.

“Tongnanlong Zhimingi enhances the diversity of Eusauraupods and offers new insights into sauropod diversity and evolutionary developments from the mid-Jurassic to the Late Jurassic as they increased in size.”

Their study was published in the journal Scientific Reports on July 10th.

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X. Wei et al. 2025. New Mamenchisaurus discoveries monitoring the Upper Jurassic formations in the Sichuan Basin, China and their implications for sauropod gigantism. Sci Rep 15, 24808; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-09796-0

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Armored Dinosaur Species Unearthed in China

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Paleontologists have identified a new species from the Ankylosaurus dinosaur genus Zhongyuansaurus, using specimens discovered in Henan Province, China.

Reconstructing the life of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.

Ankylosaurids (Antirosaurididae) were a group of herbivorous tetrapods known for their sturdy, scute-covered bodies, distinct armor, leaf-shaped teeth, and club-like tails.

The earliest and most renowned ankylosaurid dates back to approximately 122 million years ago, while the last species went extinct around 66 million years ago during the mass extinction event.

The newly recognized species belongs to a previously monospecific genus of Ankylosaurus called Zhongyuansaurus.

It is named Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi and lived in the region now known as China.

Fossils were collected from the upper section of the Haoling Formation in Zhongwa village, Henan Province, China.

“The fossils are preserved within an area of about 9 m.2,” noted Dr. Ji Min Chang from the Henan Museum of Natural History.

“They are fragmented and show no overlapping preservation, indicating they belong to a single individual.”

“The specimen includes one right mandible, 14 free caudal vertebrae, seven fused terminal caudal vertebrae forming a rod-like structure, four ribs, one left humerus, one elongated metatarsal, and 41 osteoblasts of varying sizes and shapes.”

The right lower jaw of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Zhang et al., doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037.

Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi exhibits a unique autapomorphy, featuring at least five caudal armor plates arranged in a distinct shiny pattern resembling a swallow shape.

“Furthermore, it has a relatively slender mandible compared to the more robust mandibles found in advanced Ankylosaurina,” the paleontologist added.

“The anterior tip of the coronoid process differentiates it from Chamosaurus, extending only into the last two alveoli.”

“The distal caudal vertebrae are decorated with small osteoblasts, and the humerus has a shaft proportion enclosed within 0.46, distinguishing it from Zhongyuansaurus luoyangensis.”

“The discovery of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi provides new insights into the evolution of ankylosaurs in the lower Cretaceous layers of Ruyang and enhances the species diversity within the Ruyang Dinosaur Fauna,” the researchers concluded.

Their paper was published in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Sinica.

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Ji-Ming Zhang et al. 2025. New ankylosaur material from the lower Cretaceous period in the Luyan Basin, Henan Province. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 64(1): 60-73; doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037

Source: www.sci.news