Paleontologists Discover New Species of Flat-Headed Herbivorous Dinosaur

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on October 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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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Paleontologists Uncover a New Species of Iguanodon Dinosaur

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of Tyrannosaurus Rex

Roger Harris/Getty Images/Science Photo Library

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

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

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

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

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

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Uncover First Evidence of a Multi-Species Dinosaur Herd

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

The Ancient “Dance Floor” Unveils Dinosaur Courtship Behaviors

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Approximately 100 million years ago, dinosaurs might have congregated to engage in a mating dance in a tidal area near Denver, Colorado. Recent research published in Cretaceous Research indicates that numerous intriguing scrape marks found in the stones of Colorado’s renowned dinosaur ridges are identified as Leks, potentially the largest known dinosaur mating display sites.

“Leks, or ‘Keeping Arena,’ refers to a location where numerous individuals come together to showcase courtship behaviors to attract mates,” stated Dr. Caldwell Bunting, the lead author of the study, in a conversation with BBC Science Focus.

Many contemporary birds, including knots and feathers—descendants of dinosaurs—exhibit similar behaviors, noted Bunting.

The hypothesis that dinosaurs engaged in such rituals was initially suggested by paleontologist Dr. Martin Lockley, who had observed comparable marks in the vicinity. This new study significantly strengthens that hypothesis, uncovering over 30 different scrape marks across various sediment layers.

These scratches found on Colorado’s dinosaur ridges may have been created during mating displays akin to those of modern birds. – Getty

The marks can be classified into two types: broad, shallow bowl-like impressions and narrow scrapes. It appears many were produced during movements involving rotation and kicking actions by both feet.

Drone imagery from the 2019 US Geological Survey and subsequent follow-up surveys enabled the team to map the site accurately, as access to the area was strictly controlled.

“This was a remarkable discovery,” remarked Bunting, who collaborated with Lockley until his passing in 2023.

“Our excitement was palpable. Upon reviewing the drone footage, we immediately spotted scuffs covering the entire screen. It truly felt like a ‘Eureka!’ moment for me.”

While the exact species responsible for these markings remains uncertain, Bunting speculates that based on nearby fossil footprints, Acrocanthosaurus—a predator similar to T. Rex—and ostrich-like ornithomimids could be possible contenders.

Bunting argues that it’s improbable T. Rex would engage in similar courtship behaviors, as such rituals necessitate complex social dynamics likely associated with group herding and movement.

Bunting aims to revisit other possible LEK sites in western Colorado to reassess initial interpretations of the scuff marks found there.

If verified, these marks could provide significant insights into the reproductive behaviors of dinosaurs, revealing not only their mating practices but also their competition for partners.

Read more:

About our experts

Dr. Caldwell Bunting is an alumnus of Old Dominion University. His research has appeared in journals such as Sedimentary Geology and Cretaceous Research.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Dog-Sized Neon Cyan Dinosaur Unearthed in Colorado

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Exciting discovery of a new genus and species of neornithischian dinosaur named Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae. This dinosaur is recognized from its three-dimensionally preserved postcranial skeleton unearthed in the Morrison Formation in Colorado, USA.

Life reconstruction of Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae. Image credit: Bob Nichols.

Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae inhabited our planet during the late Jurassic period, approximately 150-145 million years ago.

This dinosaur was a bipedal herbivore standing about 0.5 m (1.6 feet) tall and measuring over 1 m (3.3 feet) in length.

It would have navigated the floodplains of the western United States alongside giants like diplodocus and Stegosaurus.

“There are indications that these dinosaurs are not fully mature. The upper vertebrae (neuronal arch) are formed separately and fused at the lower section, suggesting incomplete fusion,” noted Paul Barrett, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in London, alongside Susannah Maidment.

The partial but well-preserved skeletons, along with several associated teeth, were excavated in 2021 and 2022 from a commercial quarry in Moffat County, Colorado, within the Morrison Formation.

Initially, this specimen was classified as Nanosaurus, a lesser-known herbivorous dinosaur first named in the 1870s.

However, upon thorough examination, paleontologists determined that the original Nanosaurus specimen was too poorly preserved to serve as a reliable reference for identification.

As a result, they set aside the name until higher quality fossils of Nanosaurus could ensure taxonomic stability.

The differences between the original and newly found specimens confirmed the classification as a new genus and species.

“The discovery of Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae enhances our understanding of the diversity of ornithischian dinosaurs from the Morrison Formation and provides new insights into their anatomy,” researchers explained.

“Moreover, it highlights a previously unrecognized diversity among the small Morrisonian dinosaurs, suggesting they represent a more diverse component of these late Jurassic ecosystems than previously acknowledged.”

A paper detailing Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae was published this week in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

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Susanna CR Maid & Paul M. Barrett. 2025. Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae, a neornithischian dinosaur from the Jurassic Morrison Formation in the western United States. R. Soc. Open Sci. 12(6): 242195; doi: 10.1098/rsos.242195

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Herbivorous Dinosaur Species from the Jurassic Period Unearthed in China

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A newly identified genus and species of the Eusauropod dinosaur has been discovered from a fossilized partial skeleton, which includes almost complete skulls, located in Ganshu province, China.

Skull of niedu in side view. Image credits: Li et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5.

The newly recognized dinosaur species existed during the mid-Jurassic period, roughly 165 million years ago.

Named niedu, it is an early representative of the long-necked, exclusively herbivorous dinosaurs known as Eusauropoda.

“Sauropod dinosaurs, which are massive herbivores from the early Jurassic to the late Cretaceous period, have been found across all continents,” stated Dr. Ning Li, a researcher at a Chinese university of Earth Sciences.

“Due to global warming events occurring during the Late Jurassic, Eusauropod has become the sole surviving sauropod lineage.”

“In the middle and late Jurassic, non-neosauropods thrived, including taxa like Schnosaurus, Omeisaurus, and core forms of Mamenchisaurus.

Fossils of niedu were gathered from the base of the Xinhe Formation near Jinchan city in Gansu province, northwestern China.

The specimen comprises five cervical vertebrae and nearly complete mandibles, alongside 29 distinct caudal vertebrae.

The skull of niedu measures approximately 31 cm in length and 12.5 cm in height.

A sauropod dinosaur being chased by two carnivorous dinosaurs. Image credit: Lida Xing.

“Finding a well-preserved skull is uncommon in non-neosauropod eusauropods due to their fragility,” the paleontologist noted.

“The skull of niedu is exceptionally well maintained and nearly complete.”

“However, the left side of the skull shows deformation due to internal compression.”

“Most cranial sutures are clearly visible on niedu,” they added.

According to the researchers, niedu marks the earliest sauropod discovered in Gansu province.

“niedu is significant,” they concluded.

“We also present more information that enhances our understanding of sauropod evolutionary history in northwestern China.”

The paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports on May 23rd.

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N. Li et al. 2025. A new Eusauropod (dinosaurs, sauropods) from the central Jurassic in China. Sci Rep 15, 17936; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Create a Digital Reconstruction of a 120-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Trackway

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The extensive dinosaur trackways offer crucial insights into the behaviors of their creators, yet researchers frequently encounter logistical hurdles in documentation and analysis. In a recent study, paleontologists from the University of Queensland and the University of Earth Sciences in China tackled these issues by employing digital methods to reexamine China’s 70-meter long dinosaur trackway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx6_zrqfkzg

The 120-million-year-old trackway examined by the team is situated southwest of Hanukushi village in Sichuan Province, China.

Affectionately referred to as the “Siphenwo” or “Stone Phoenix Nest”, the trackway holds significant cultural importance. It was once believed by locals to have been created by the mythical Phoenix, as described in poetry from the late Qing Dynasty (1840-1911 CE).

This trackway, which represents the longest theropod trackway in East Asia, consists of 81 consecutive footprints, stretching over approximately 70 meters.

“The dinosaur’s movements were reconstructed in stages, revealing its walking patterns, pace changes, and responses to the environment,” stated Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the University of Queensland.

“The sequence of 80 consecutive footprints extends over 70 meters in Sichuan, China, capturing a fleeting moment in stone.”

“Through digital animation, we can observe these moments as they unfold, offering unparalleled insights into animal behavior and biomechanics.”

Reconstructing the life of a dinosaur based on Yutyrannus, scaled against a 175 cm human model. Image credit: Anthony Romilio & Lida Xing, doi: 10.3390/geosciences15050165.

Using measurements from the trackway, Dr. Romilio and colleague Dr. Lida Singh determined that the dinosaur was bipedal, standing approximately 1.13 meters tall at the waist and weighing up to 292 kg.

“The footprint indicates that the dinosaur moved at a steady 5.3 km/h, similar to a brisk human walk, occasionally accelerating to a light trot before resuming its normal pace,” Dr. Romilio explained.

“This was not merely a dinosaur meandering aimlessly; it was moving in a largely linear fashion with clear intent.”

The team concluded that the dinosaur’s size closely resembles that of the feathered dinosaur Yutyrannus, which lived in northeastern China during the early Cretaceous period.

“Trackways can reveal behavioral details and narratives that fossilized bones alone cannot,” remarked Dr. Romilio.

“However, the study of such extensive tracks has historically been challenging due to the complexities of on-site measurements.”

“Our entirely digital approach enables us to capture, interpret, and archive all measurements and calculations from fossil track sites on computers, providing insight into the dynamic lives of these ancient beings.”

The team’s findings will be published in the journal Earth Science.

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Anthony Romilio & Lida Xing. 2025. Digital analysis of the “Phoenix Trackway” at a Chinese Cretaceous dinosaur track site. Earth Science 15(5):165; doi:10.3390/geosciences15050165

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Unveil a Newly Discovered Species of Loveddonton Dinosaur

Posted on May 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The species has been named obelignathus septimanicus. This new addition lived in the European archipelago around 72 million years ago during the Cretaceous period and is classified within the Ornitopod dinosaur family of Iguanodon Island, specifically in the Rabdodidae family.

Reconstructing obelignathus septimanicus in its Late Cretaceous environment, as depicted in the “Grès à Reptiles” layer, with a Dromaeosaurus in the background. Image credit: Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska.

The Rhabdodontids were medium-sized dinosaurs, potentially bipedal herbivores measuring between 2 and 6 meters (6.6 to 20 feet).

These dinosaurs exhibited stocky builds, characterized by thick limbs, short bodies, long tails, and relatively large triangular skulls.

They thrived in the late Cretaceous European archipelago, a vast collection of small islands located in shallow tropical waters.

This family currently comprises fewer than 10 species, distributed across southern France, northern Spain, eastern Austria, western Hungary, and western Romania.

“Rhabdodontids are typically recognized as endemic groups of leaf-eating dinosaurs from the late Cretaceous European archipelago,” stated Ukaszepians and Dr. Daniel Magia from the Institute of Paleontology at the Polish Academy of Sciences.

“At present, eight to nine different species have been identified based on specimens unearthed from eastern Austria, southern France, western Hungary, western Romania, and northern Spain.”

“However, our understanding of the diversity within Rhabdodontidae and their evolutionary relationships remains incomplete.”

Fossils of obelignathus septimanicus were discovered, with a notable tooth located in the Gresèrepilles layer in southern France.

This specimen has been associated with a previously identified species, “Rhabdodon septimanicus”.

“Rhabdodon septimanicus is recognized as a basal species from the lower part of the Maastrichtian in southern France during the Campanian period,” remarked the paleontologist.

“It was classified based on particularly robust dental remains, which have drawn varying taxonomic interpretations.”

“Our analyses, which include multivariate and phylogenetic evaluations, indicate that this species represents a distinct morphological anomaly among European Rhabdodontomorphs, justifying its categorization into a new genus, obelignathus.”

“While further extensive research, especially in-depth osteological studies, is essential to clarify the taxonomic significance of specific European Rhabdomorphs, our findings suggest that several co-existing sympatric species, particularly in southern France and possibly Romania, display greater diversity than is currently acknowledged,” he added.

The team’s research paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports this week.

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Czepiński & D. Madzia. 2025. A study of the diversity and disparity of Rhabdodontid ornithopods from Late Cretaceous European archipelagos. Sci Rep 15, 15209; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-98083-z

Source: www.sci.news

A Small Herbivorous Dinosaur Unearthed in Scotland

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Lead by a team of paleontologists from the National Museum of Scotland, this specimen is recognized as the first and most complete dinosaur skeleton discovered in Scotland to date.

The artist’s impression of Ornishkia’s dinosaurs. Image credit: Peter Trusler.

The newly identified specimen originates from the mid-Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.

“Dinosaurs from the Triassic and Early Jurassic were typically small, bipedal, and carnivorous or omnivorous. However, by the late Jurassic, a remarkable diversification occurred, leading to the emergence of some of the largest terrestrial vertebrates to ever walk the Earth,” stated Dr. Elsa Pansilolli, a paleontologist and her colleagues at the National Museum of Scotland.

“This significant diversification in dinosaur species appears to have primarily occurred during the mid-Jurassic period, positioning these dinosaurs as key elements for understanding the drivers behind this rapid evolution.”

“Unfortunately, central Jurassic dinosaur fossils are exceedingly rare and underrepresented globally,” they added.

“Consequently, the early evolutionary history and major diversification of many dinosaur groups remain largely unknown.”

“Thus, new dinosaur findings from the central Jurassic are critical for unwinding the development of ecosystems dominated by dinosaurs.”

A 166 million-year-old skeleton of Ornithikian dinosaurs from the Kilmalag Formation on the Isle of Skye. Image credit: Pansilolli et al., doi: 10.1017/s1755691024000148.

Partial dinosaur skeletons were initially discovered in 1973, but the collection was only completed in 2018.

“The specimen comprises numerous bones and fragments that seem to originate from a single bedding plane within an area measuring approximately 60 cm x 40 cm,” remarked the paleontologist.

The skeleton was uncovered in the Kilmalag Formation, located north of the village of Ergol on the Isle of Skye.

This representation includes Scotland’s most comprehensive fossils, with its initial discovery preceding the earliest reported dinosaur fossils from Skye.

“The central Jurassic in Scotland is becoming more representative of fossil finds from the Kilmalag Formation, increasing its global significance in understanding this period of tetrapod evolution,” the researchers indicated.

“Despite being fragmented, it remains the most intact dinosaur specimen known from Scotland, including partial ilium, nerve arches, rib parts, and other key elements.”

The dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic are likely Ornithischian Dinosaurs, known as Ornithopoda.

“If the specimen is confirmed to represent Ornithischian, as suggested by the partial iliac bone and histological sections, it signifies a geologically recent event in Scotland, originating from the Kilmalag Formation,” the scientist noted.

The team’s study has been published in the journal Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

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Elsa Panchiroli et al. The first and most complete dinosaur skeleton from the central Jurassic region of Scotland. Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Published online on March 6, 2025. doi:10.1017/s1755691024000148

Source: www.sci.news

Review of Spooky Country Dinosaur Mansion 3: A Reality-Bending and Daftly Fun Game

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

this haunted house has become a ripe place to set up a strange video game. The layers of Lorelei and The Laser Eyes, Blue Prince, Botany Manor, and Fear of Fear come to mind. A mansion as a place of danger, supernatural danger, unreliable architecture – certainly perfect for an unsettling experience. Or even a stupid experience in an uneasy environment.

Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 has a lot to offer with its title. The first presents it as a conceptual dinosaur hunting adventure in a creepy house run by an ominous old mogul, and quickly reveals to players that they know it’s a video game. So it’s up to us to patch it as we go, broken video games, and to do so.

Players will explore the mansion through text and puzzle vignettes, pushing the limits of all scenarios in the hopes of finding bugs and glitches. This is a big concept, but the game seems interested in conveying the idea rather than showing us what we see or show them in the play itself.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/69Gn_8tCrMs?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 – LAUNCH TRAILER" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Run by a confused hero, our Butch combat system is a clever little match 3 game. Sometimes it’s a dinosaur with a gun. Sometimes it is a tripwire, sometimes it is a legion of clones – sometimes a clone of his own. Sometimes it talks about vegetables. Sometimes a wig dinosaur. Stupidity is one note, quickly flattened and stored only by the pleasant nature of the puzzle.

Still, to have an effective game of three matches, or frankly, to use Candy Crush, you need to use high-contrast colors to prioritize players. When I played it, it was really hard to distinguish between symbols and otherwise a pleasant flow was interrupted. This visual problem is not limited to puzzles. The entire color palette in this game is muddy. It doesn’t commit Gothicly or bring about total confusion.

The same problem applies to the text. The game is text-based, but the dialogue and descriptive text are just as muddy as the visuals. The jokes work, but they aim to be destructive and shocking (dinosaur romance is a repetitive gag). However, games are about gameplay and game development. This means that much of the explanation is expressed in technical terms. File and version history discussion goes beyond baseball’s internals. So, if you’re a gamer seasoned enough to speed up metalologic, certainly you don’t need to issue an affidavit. Certainly we were all laughing at the dinosaur romance five years ago. The writing is very close to great things. I had to be sharper.

Text-based gameplay 3 of a spooky country dinosaur mansion. Photo: Strange scaffolding

The art style is rough, but not in a way to evoke a deliberate aesthetic. Depending on the text, reality can be said when you complain in a bent way. There is a moment when we disappear into the void and leave the world. Once you get into the internet, you’ll even have some climactic moments. Still, the visuals are punchy. These strange appearances can be triggered by drawings and do not require flashy graphics. Although we recognize that the illustration style is intentional, the game would have been better served in art style, a little more playful or even intentional. Two moments made me laugh when the visual style actually moved into the meta and showed us some of what the game was saying to us.

I wanted to love this game. It’s ridiculous on paper. The odd scaffolding, the developer, is known for being odd – click-holding, in particular, is ominous and experimental, and truly asks what the game is in its execution (there are a lot of clicks and are being watched in the action of clicks). Spooky country dinosaur mansion 3 is certainly creepy and set in a mansion, with dinosaurs and truly satisfying puzzles. Also, there are some great ideas and not one that failed the experiment. It doesn’t bend reality as it hopes, but if it looks high and players can manage places where aesthetics are scarce, they’ll have a great time. They may meet a lovely blonde dinosaur that they can bring home with them.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Newly discovered sauropod dinosaur species found in Argentina

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The new genus and species of the Levubatisaurus sauropod dinosaur are explained from fossils discovered in the paleontological region of Neuken, Argentina.

Reconstructing the life of Cienciargentina Sanchezi. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.

The newly discovered dinosaurs roamed the globe during the late Cretaceous period, about 94 million years ago.

It has been named Cienciargentina Sanchezithe species is the earliest member of the Diplodocoid Dinosaur family. Rebbachisauridae It has been known up to this point.

Rebbachisaurids diversified primarily into the supercontinent Gondwana during the early and late Cretaceous periods.

These dinosaurs are known for fragmented fossil ruins from South America, Africa, North America, Europe and possibly Central Asia.

They are distinguished from other sauropods by their distinctive teeth. Some species had similar species to the hadrosaurus and Serratopsian dinosaur species.

“The first South American Rebbachisaurid Sauropods were recognized based on materials from the vicinity of the Candeleros and Huincul Formations of Vira El Chocon (Neuken, Argentina)”

“The material of Rebbachisaurid from the Huincul layer, along with the material of the Bajovaler layer, is particularly relevant as it has probably been completely extincted.”

Fossilized Materials Cienciargentina Sanchezi Found around Villa El Chocon Huincul Layer.

“This new species will be added to the list of Levubacisauld sauropods documented in the Huncuru Formation (Upper Cenomanian Turonian), which is considered to be the world’s latest diplodocoid,” the paleontologist said.

“In fact, since the Tronian, the sauropod community has been made up of only macronalians, mostly giants.”

“In Patagonia, the hypothetical fauna rotation that occurred in the middle of the Cretaceous period, involving not only white pods but other groups of dinosaurs, is likely observed anywhere else in South America.”

a paper Describing Discovery was published in the journal this month Cretaceous Research.

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Maria Edith Simon and Leonardo Salgado. New Rebbachisaurid (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) from the huincule formation (Upper Cenomanian Turonian) of Villa El Chocon (Nuken, Argentina). Cretaceous ResearchPublisherd Online April 9, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106137

Source: www.sci.news

Newly discovered fossils of the iguanodon dinosaur found in Portugal

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Portuguese paleontologists have discovered several specimens of the large Ankiroprolexian Iguanodon (late Jurassic epoch) that lived 150 million years ago.

A massive reconstruction of the Iguanodon dinosaur of Ankiropolo Lexia interacting with a late Jurassic boy in the late European period. Image credit: Vitor Carvalho.

New dinosaur fossils have been found in various regions of the Lusitania Basin in western Portugal.

One of the specimens labeled shn.jjs.015 is Ankiroporo Lexia, a mysterious group of herbivores Iguanodontian dinosaur. It lived from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous period in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

“That was a surprise,” said Dr. Filippo Maria Rotetri, a Geobiotech paleontologist, at the University of Nova de Lisboa and the Museum’s Da Rourinha.

“We believed that the diversity of this dinosaur group was already well documented in the late Jurassic of Portugal, but this discovery shows that there is still much to learn and that exciting discoveries could continue to emerge in the near future.”

“Unfortunately, due to the limited amount of recovered materials, it is not yet possible to assign a formal scientific name to this species.”

“It was heavyweight,” added Dissancia, professor Fernando Escaso, a paleontologist at Exaicon University.

“When we estimated its size and weight, we found that this new dinosaur is much bulkier than other Iguanodon species. Draconyx or eousdryosaurus, it is likely that they share ecosystems.”

Paleontologists also excavated a series of small, isolated bones in the same Lucitane basin.

These fossils may represent the same species of Ankiroprolexia Iguanodon dinosaur, just like shn.jjs.015.

“The explanation of shn.jjs.015 adds new members of Ankiroporolexia to the inadequately known Jurassic Iguanodonn fauna of Iberian land, and at least at the bottom of the Titonian (149-143 million years ago), three medium-sized European countries (143 million years ago), from Europe, three medium-sized ankiropound Europe. The researchers said.

Furthermore, it supports the interpretation of Iguanodon diversification early discovered by Europe in the late Jurassic, and demonstrates the fundamental role of Iberian land in achieving a better understanding of biogeographic patterns. ”

Survey results It will be displayed in Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

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Filippo Maria Rotatori et al. 2025. Evidence of a large Ankiropolar Lexian dinosaur (Ornithischia: Iguanodontia) in the Upper Jurassic of Portugal. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 23(1): 2470789; doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2470789

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers unearth massive dinosaur tracks dating back 167 million years on the Isle of Skye

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered 131 large theropods and sauropods in the formations of the central Jurassic Kirmalag at Prince Charles’s point, located on the northwest coast of the Troternas Peninsula in Sky.

A 167 million-year-old dinosaur trackway located at Prince Charles’s point on the Isle of Skye. Image credit: Blakesley et al. , doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319862.

The rocks of Isle of Skye are rich in dinosaur footprints, providing insight into the distribution and behavior of dinosaurs at critical times of evolution.

The newly discovered footprint was left in the wavy sands of an ancient subtropical lagoon dating back to the mid-Jurassic period about 167 million years ago.

The footprint is 25-60 cm long and comes in two types. This is a round “Tyre-Size” track, made by three untidy trucks left by Bipedal: a carnivorous theropod, a tetrapod, and a long-necked sauropod.

Based on comparisons with previous fossil discoveries, the most likely truck maker is Megalosaurus Similar to early branching members of the Neosauropod group CethiosaurusBoth are known from British skeletal ruins.

According to paleontologists, many of these footprints occur together in successive steps.

The longest of these trackways is over 12m, among the longest known examples from the Isle of Skye.

The spacing and orientation of these trackways represent slow walking without consistent orientation or interaction with each other, and what is probably left by the dinosaurs is casually crushed at slightly different times.

The site at Prince Charles’s point supports previous evidence that the Jurassic Sauropod frequently visited Scottish lagoons.

However, this site contains a higher percentage of theropod tracks than similar locales, perhaps indicating differences in the environment between these ancient lagoons.

The site also does not have footprints from other dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus and Ornithopods, but it remains unclear whether these animals really do not exist in this environment or simply did not leave a mark on this site.

“Prince Charles’s footprint at points provides fascinating insight into the behavior and environmental distribution of meat-eating theropods and plant-eating long-necked sauropods during key periods of evolution.”

“In Sky, these dinosaurs obviously preferred shallow, submerged lagoon environments to muddy air exposed.”

“Interestingly, this site also has historical significance as a location for Skye, where Prince Bonnie landed and hidden while flying through Scotland following the Battle of Culloden.”

Discoveries are reported in a paper Published online in the journal PLOS 1.

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T. Blakely et al. 2025. A new central Jurassic Lagoon margin assembly of theropod and sauropod dinosaur trajectories from the Isle of Skye, Scotland. PLOS 1 20(4): E0319862; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319862

Source: www.sci.news

The dinosaur with two fingers used its massive claws to devour leaves

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of Duonychus Tsogtbaatari, a Cretaceous theropod dinosaur

Masato Hatri

A new species of dinosaur found on the Mongolian building site has the largest fully preserved claws ever discovered. The bipedal herbivores only had two fingers in each hand, so they may have been used to grab a branch and pull it towards their mouth.

The 90 million-year-old fossil containing parts of the pelvis, arms and hands, and parts of numerous vertebrae was discovered in 2012 near Kambogd in the Gobi Desert, but is now properly studied and given a scientific name. Duonychus tsogtbaatari. The genus name means “two claws” and the species name honors Mongolian paleontologists Kishigjav tsogtbaatar.

Duonychus It's a small relative of Tericinosaurusthe features of the movie Jurassic World Dominion. Yoshitug Kobayashi In Hokkaido, Japan, his colleague estimates that the dinosaurs were about 3 meters long and weighed about 270 kilograms.

“Discovery Duonychus tsogtbaatari It's a big deal because it's the first known tericinosaurus with only two fingers,” says Kobayashi.

Overall, five groups of theropods have evolved to have only two fingers. Tyrannosaurus.

DuonychusThe nails are nearly 30 centimeters. Unusually, the nail sheath is made of keratin, the same material as the nail – is preserved.

“Keratin usually doesn't become fossilized. It fades long before bones do it,” says Kobayashi. “Most of the time, when we find dinosaur claws, we just look at the nucleus of the bone. But in life, the actual claws are covered in thick keratin sheaths, which are longer and curved.”

Team Members Darla Zelenitsky At the University of Calgary, Canada, finding a two-fingered Tericinosaurus was very surprising.

Duonychus Tsogtbaatari nails

Kobayashi et al.

“This is the largest 3D dinosaur claw that is completely preserved. “This claw is not preserved as the outline of the rock surrounding the bone. This is quite typical for fossils where the true claw is preserved. This claw is actually three-dimensional and forms a sheath around the underlying phalanx, similar to what is found on dog and cat's paws.”

Researchers believe that the nails are adaptations for grabbing and pulling down vegetation. Less fingers can make each one stronger, more flexible, narrower, and more controlled grips possible, Kobayashi says.

“The curved claws and extreme flexion suggest that they can be more easily connected to leaf branches and clusters,” he says. “Three fingers may have just got in the way, but two provided a more accurate and efficient grasp.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Three newly discovered dinosaur footprints in Australia dating back 200 million years

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have studied and described three surfaces, including previously unknown dinosaur tracks, from an area near Biloella in Queensland, Australia.

Surface containing dinosaur tracks from the sandstone Duncreek mine area in the Kalido Basin, Queensland, Australia. Image credits: Romilio et al. , doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2472153.

University of Queensland researcher Dr. Anthony Romilio and his colleagues discovered footprints of early Jurassic dinosaurs preserved in three separate rocks in the Kalido Basin.

“One of the surfaces contains a single track, the other has a single trackway consisting of two tracks, and the third has a large concentration of 66 footprints,” they said.

“This is the highest concentration known from the area, with a density of 71 tracks per metre.²and only to specimens of the same age from the Carnarvon Valley, the second highest in Australia. ”

Each footprint has three toes, indicating that it belongs to the dinosaur Ichnospecy anomoepus scambus.

“The Ichnospecies, also discovered at the early Jurassic track sites in Carnarvon Valley and Mount Morgan, shows the prevalence of Ornishikian dinosaurs throughout the region,” the researchers said.

Small filled circular traces, possibly invertebrate burrows Scoritusthe surface is rich and, if correct, indicates that the tracks were formed under sub-light blue to medium energy conditions.

ICHNOSPECIES' Ornithischian Track Maker anomoepus scambus. Image credit: University of Queensland.

“The footprint comes from 47 individual dinosaurs that have passed through patches of wet white clay, and they probably walked or crossed the waterways,” Dr. Romilio said.

“These dinosaurs were small, with legs ranging from 15-50 cm long, and when they left these marks they were moving below 6 km/h.”

“Evidence from skeletal fossils abroad says that dinosaurs with legs like these were herbivores that had long legs, thick bodies, short arms and small heads with beaks.”

Scientists say the newly discovered footprint is about 200 million years old (early Jurassic epoch).

“These footprints provide valuable insight into the abundance and behavior of dinosaurs in an age where body fossils are not present in Australia,” they said.

Their paper It was published in the journal on March 10th, 2025 Historical Biology.

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Anthony Romillio et al. Dinosaur footprints from sandstones in the Lower Jurassic (Hetangian-Cinemurian), the Kalido Basin, Queensland, Australia. Historical BiologyPublished online on March 10th, 2025. doi:10.1080/08912963.2025.2472153

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers uncover a previously unknown species of Sauropodmorph dinosaur

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

meet xingxiulong yueorum A new species of early extermination Zauropodmorph dinosaurs that lived in present-day China during the early Jurassic period.

Fossilized skeleton of xingxiulong yueorum. Image credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences.

xingxiulong yueorum It belongs to Masopoda A large group of Sauropodomorph dinosaurs described in 2007.

The new species is merely the second member of the previous monopolar genus. xingxiulong.

“xingxiulong yueorum It is distinguished from xingxiulong chengi By owning a pendant-shaped fourth trochanter with a distal end, an Astragalus with a rear almost straight dorsal margin, and a Pedalgiet V with two factors” Paleonanthropology and Chinese Academy of Sciences University, and colleagues.

Partial postcranial skeletal structure of xingxiulong yueorum It was discovered in 2015 near the city of Lufen in Yunnan Province, China.

The specimen is Lufeng Layer.

“The Rufen Formation is one of the most important sedimentary units for understanding the evolution of early Jurassic sauropod dinosaurs,” the paleontologist said.

xingxiulong yueorum Estimated to reach lengths of 8-10 m (26-33 feet) – twice the size xingxiulong chengi.

“Both of both species xingxiulong There are usually four sacral vertebrae associated with delayed sauropods and sauropods, suggesting a complex early evolution of sauropods,” the researchers said.

According to the team, the discovery xingxiulong yueorum Adds diversity of Sauropodomorph dinosaurs from the Lufeng Formation.

“This finding contributes to an understanding of the complex patterns that characterize the early evolution of Asian sauropods,” the authors concluded.

Their paper It was published in the journal on February 3, 2025 Historical Biology.

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Xiang-Yuan Chen et al. New species of xingxiulong (Dinosaur, Sauropodmorpha) from the lower Rufen Formation in the Jurassic region of Yunnan Province, China. Historical BiologyPublished online on February 3, 2025. doi:10.1080/08912963.2025.2458130

Source: www.sci.news

Dinosaur fossils claimed by ducks found in China

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered a fragmentary skeleton of a new Lamboosaurin hadrosaurus dinosaur in the Daranshan Formation in the Cretaceous period of southern China.

Skeletal material present in Lambeosaurin specimens from the Upper Darranshan Formation of Cretaceous period in southern China. Image credit: Wang et al. , doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2454652.

The fragmentary skeleton of a single hadrosaurus individual is Daranshan Formation Near Zhaoqing city in Guangdong Province, China.

The specimen is between 70-67 million years old (Maastrichtian Age), and includes vertebrae, humerus, ilium, femur and tibia.

“The specimens were collected from the Sanshui Basin in the northwest of the Pearl River Delta in southern China, the inland basin closest to the South China Sea, a land source in South China,” colleagues.

“A large area of the Upper Cretaceous layer, divided into two large deposition zones, occurs within it.”

“Stratigraphy is well understood, but few vertebrate fossils were found except for the aforementioned Tyrannosauld teeth at the Typingansite.”

“The new Lamboosaurin was found in the red gravel of the second member of the Daranshan Formation.”

Individuals were members of the tribe Lambeo Sauriniotherwise it is not often expressed in the Chinese fossil record.

“The Hadrosaurudoa fossil record occurs throughout the lower and upper Cretaceous layers of the world,” the paleontologist said.

“Hadrosauroids consist of a graded basal member and a derived Hadrosauridae, the latter consisting of the Lamboosaurus River and Hadrosaurinae or Saurolophinae.”

“The most distinctive character that unites the Lambeosaurin hadrosaurin-like group is the hollow skull, formed by the pair's anterior exosarobes and noses, which may have functioned in acoustic and/or visual signaling.”

“The fossil record of Lambo Osaurinae ranges from the Santonian to the Maastrichtian.”

“To date, four species have been discovered in China. Charonosaurus jiayinensis, Jaxartosaurus sp. , Tsintaosaurus Spinorhinusand Sahaliyania Elunchunorum. ”

Researchers say the new specimen is the first known Lamboosaurin in southern China.

“It represents the first hadrosaurus from the Sanshui Basin and the first Lamboosaurin from southern China,” they said.

“This specimen suggests the possibility of future fossil discoveries in Cretaceous sediments of the Sanshui Basin, indicating that the area was once home to typical late Cretaceous Cretaceous dinosaur animals. It's there.”

Team's paper Published in the journal Historical Biology.

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Donghao Wang et al. 2025. The first occurrence of the ducked dinosaur tribe Lambosaurini (Hadrosauridae: Lambosaurinae) in southern China. Historical BiologyPublished online on January 25th, 2025. doi:10.1080/08912963.2025.2454652

Source: www.sci.news

Long-Held Ostrich-Like Dinosaur Unearthed in Mexico

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The fossilized archaeological site discovered in Mexico’s core wilderness in 2014 has identified the strange new genus and species of the Ornithomimid dinosaur.

Reconstruction of life Mexidracon Longimanus. Image credit: ddinodan / cc by 4.0.

The newly identified dinosaur species walked around the earth about 73 million years ago in the late Cretaceous era.

It was named Mexidracon Longimanus. The length of this ancient creature was about 3 m (10 feet).

It belongs to Ornithomimidae, a dinosaur family that evolved a beak without teeth, is omnivorous or herbivorous, and likely resembled a superficial ostrich.

“Ornithomimosaurs have a large orbit, long neck, non-radical manus, long rostral bones with a slender, long, and distally delicate skull of the beast legs resembling a dinosaur,” said Benemerita Escuela Normal Deco Aria and her colleagues in the United States, Mexico, and Spain.

“The size of the body ranges from small forms (exceeding 12 kg) like Nqwebasaurus Thwazi and Blue Weather from early Cretaceous in Africa and Asia to large Asian species in the late Cretaceous like Deinocheirus Mirificus (6 tons).

“Ornithomimosaurs are known from the Caucasian strata in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.”

The fossil of Mexidracon Longimanus was discovered in 2014 in the Cerro del Pueblo Formation in Mexico.

“The Cerro del Pueblo layer of Core Wayla represents one of the richest layers, including Mexican dinosaurs,” said researchers.

“Similar to other Cretaceous sites in North America and Asia, Ornithomimosaurs are very common in the Cerro del Pueblo layer.

“However, most of these specimens are very fragmentary, and even relatively complete specimens remain officially unexplained.”

“Mexidracon Longimanus represents the first officially described ornithomimid dinosaur species from the Cerro del Pueblo layer.”

Its most prominent autoapomorphy is the extreme elongation of its manual phalanges, forming the palm of its hand.

“The discovery of Mexidracon Longimanus suggests a wide body size diversity and geographical distribution of ornithomimosaurs among the Campanians in southern Laramidia.

“The record of ornithomimosaurs in the Cerro del Pueblo layer is another example of the coexistence of ornithomimids and Deinocheirids, reaching a wide body size diversity in this ‘ostrich’ dinosaur clay.”

The discovery of Mexidracon Longimanus will be reported in a paper released in the journal “Cretaceous Research” this week.

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Claudiainéssserrano-Breweryas et al. Mexico, Core Wayla Campanians (Upper Cretaceous). A new long ornithomimid dinosaur from the Cerro del Pueblo layer. Cretaceous Research was released online on January 28, 2025. Doi: 10.1016/J.CRETRES.2025.106087

Source: www.sci.news

Non-biologist uncovers evidence of a massive Hadrosaurus dinosaur in the Gobi Desert

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Anti-Japanese and Mongolian paleontologists have found the footprints of Hadrosaurus dinosaur fossils eating large plants from the Cretaceous.

A huge Hadrosaurus dinosaur footprint in the Gobi Western Desert in Mongolia. Image credit: Okayama Science University.

The newly discovered Hadrosaurus footprint dates back about 70 million years ago (Cretaceous).

One of them is about 92 cm in diameter (3 feet), one of the largest Hadrosaurus footprints found so far.

“It is thought that the biggest footprint belongs to the giant SaurolovsIt is estimated that the overall length of the whole body exceeds 15 m (50 feet), and evenly Tyrannosaurus and Turbo saurus Team leader of size Shinobu IshigakiOkayama Science University Dinosaur Museum Research Bureau, and his colleagues stated in a statement.

Saurolovs Is a large Hadrosaurus dinosaur known by the Canadian horseshoe canyon and the Mongolian Nemegut layer.

According to an old-fashioned scholar, it is one of the few dinosaur genus from multiple continents.

“Our discovery suggests that one of the largest bipedal behaviors known so far lived in Mongolia, and also enhances hope for the discovery of large-scale skeletal archeological sites. They say. “

In addition, researchers have found a 24 m (79-foot) trackway composed of about 85 cm (2.8 feet) fossils (2.8 feet).

“From June 1 to 15, 2024, we conducted a follow-up survey in the Nishi Gobi Desert,” he said.

“As a result, we discovered a new trackway, including three footprints of the largest Hadrosaurus discovered so far and 13 fossiled footprint sequences.”

“The identification of 14 trackways, including those found before 2018, enables analysis of posture, walking style, speed, and group movements. This is an unpredictable details.”

“So far, the largest known Hadrosaurus skeleton belongs. Shunton SaurusThey were found in Shandong Province, China. “

“However, the latest discovery in Mongolia suggests the possibility of clarifying large-scale skeletal archeological sites in this area.”

“Our next goal is to clarify a large full skeleton. Saurolovs I will be in charge of these footprints, “said Dr. Ishikawa.

Source: www.sci.news

The Sahara Desert and Amazon Rainforest may have been the first habitats for dinosaur evolution

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

If dinosaurs really did appear near the equator, life would have been particularly hot and dry.

Mark Whitton/Natural History Museum Trustees

Dinosaurs may have first evolved near the equator, rather than far south in the Southern Hemisphere as previously thought. Modeling studies suggest they originated in areas covering what is now the Amazon rainforest, the Congo Basin, and the Sahara Desert.

“Given the gaps in the fossil record and the evolutionary tree of dinosaurs, it is very likely that this is the central point of dinosaur origin,” he says. Joel Heath At University College London.

Dinosaurs evolved during the Triassic period, which lasted from 252 million to 201 million years ago, but there is “considerable” uncertainty about when and where they evolved, Heath said. The oldest known fossils of these animals are about 230 million years old, but there are enough features to suggest that dinosaurs have already been around for millions of years. “There must have been a lot going on in terms of dinosaur evolution, but we don't have the fossils,” he says.

At this time, the Earth looked very different. All the continents were combined into a single supercontinent called Pangea, shaped like a C with its center straddling the equator. South America and Africa were located in this southern hemisphere part and were fitted together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The earliest known dinosaurs lived in the southern parts of these two continents, in present-day Argentina and Zimbabwe, where dinosaurs were thought to have originated.

To learn more, Heath and his colleagues built a computer model that works backwards in time from the oldest known dinosaurs to the group's origins. They considered uncertainties such as gaps in the fossil record, possible geographic barriers, and ongoing questions about how the earliest dinosaurs were related to each other to create dozens of versions. has been created.

Most of these simulations concluded that dinosaurs first appeared near the equator, with only a few supporting a southern origin.

Paleontologists have tended to believe that dinosaurs couldn't have originated near the equator, Heath said. One reason for this is that no early dinosaur fossils have been found in the area. Moreover, it was a difficult place to live. “It was very, very dry and very hot,” he says. “It is believed that dinosaurs could not have survived in such conditions.”

However, most models do not. “This suggests something that we didn't really think was possible until now,” Heath says.

In fact, there may be a more prosaic explanation for the lack of early dinosaur fossils found near the equator. Paleontologists tend to conduct excavations in North America, Europe, and more recently China. “There are many areas of the planet that are completely ignored,” says Heath. He added that geologists have not found many rocks of suitable age in the area associated with the findings that can be excavated. “It may not be exposed in a way that we can easily investigate.”

But evidence supporting Heath's idea has recently come to light. On January 8th, researchers david loveless At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, oldest known dinosaur Originally from northern Pangea. They discovered what they call a species new to science. Avaitum Banduiche, sauropodomorphs related to long-necked dinosaurs such as diplodocus That evolved later. The research team discovered the 230-million-year-old rock in Wyoming's Popo Aggie Formation.

If dinosaurs were already present north and south of Pangea that long ago, there's no way the middle of the equator would be closed off to them, Heath said. “They must have been crossing the area.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologist Identifies New Species of Predatory Dinosaur

Posted on January 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have described a new genus and species of carcharodontosaurian theropod dinosaur based on descriptions of now-destroyed specimens from Egypt’s Bahariya Formation.

rebuilding the life of Tameriraptor Markography. Image credit: Joschua Knüppe.

The newly identified dinosaur lived in what is now Africa during the Cretaceous period about 95 million years ago.

dubbing Tameriraptor Markographyan ancient species, is a member of a group of carnivorous theropod dinosaurs. Carcharodontosauridae.

The fossilized remains of this dinosaur were discovered in 1914 about 2 km (1.2 miles) from Ein Gedid, at the western foot of Gebel Hara in the Bahariya Formation.

This fossil was first described as a carcharodontosaur species by German paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach in 1931. Carcharodontosaurus sahalix.

“In 1931, Stromer described the first partial skeleton of a carcharodontosaur from the Cretaceous period of North Africa,” said first author Dr. Maximilian Kellermann and Ludwig Maximilian of the Bavarian State Institute of Paleontology and Geology. said a university colleague.

“The specimens were excavated from the Bahariya Formation, a locality in the northern Bahariya Oasis of Egypt, and include skull fragments (maxilla, nasal bone, part of the brain shell), vertebrae, part of the pubic bone and ischium, femur, and fibula. It consisted of

“Recognizing the common features of the related teeth, Stromer referred to the specimen as: Dryptosaurus sahalixproposed a new genus name, but carcharodontosaurusfor this kind of case. ”

According to the authors, the original specimen was destroyed during World War II.

The only extant data consist of Stromer's description and depiction of the specimen and an endocast of the brain box, currently stored in Berlin.

“What we saw in the historic footage surprised all of us,” Dr. Kellerman said.

“The Egyptian dinosaur fossils depicted there are very different from more recent dinosaur fossils.” carcharodontosaurus Found in Morocco. ”

“Thus, Stromer's original classification was inaccurate. We have now identified and named a completely different and previously unknown species of predatory dinosaur. Tameriraptor Markography”

Tameriraptor Markography It was approximately 10 meters (33 feet) long and had symmetrical teeth and a prominent nasal horn.

“We found that this dinosaur was closely related to the carcharodontosaurs of North Africa and South America, and to the metricanthosaurids, a group of predatory dinosaurs in Asia,” said the study's senior author. said one Dr. Oliver Rauchat.

“The dinosaur fauna of North Africa was probably much more diverse than we previously thought.”

“This study shows that there is value for paleontologists to dig not only in the ground but also in old archives.”

“However, a more comprehensive assessment of the Cretaceous predatory dinosaur fauna of Bahariya Oasis will require the recovery of more fossils from the site.”

of the team work Published in a magazine PLoS ONE.

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M. Kellerman others. 2025. Reassessment of its implications for the phylogeny of Bahariya Formation carcharodontosaurids (dinosaurs: theropods) and allosaurids. PLoS ONE 20 (1): e0311096;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311096

Source: www.sci.news

New discovery of fossils reveals a revamped dinosaur evolutionary history

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

American paleontologists have discovered the fossilized remains of a new species of sauropod dinosaur that lived in the northern hemisphere (Laurasian supercontinent) during the Carnian period of the late Triassic period, about 230 million years ago.

reconstruction of Avaitum banduichethe world's oldest known low-latitude dinosaur species. Image credit: Gabriel Uguet.

Until now, it was thought that dinosaurs originated deep in the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere (Gondwana supercontinent).

The dinosaur fauna of Gondwana and the earliest dinosaur occurrences in the Northern Hemisphere (Laurasian supercontinent) were separated by 6 to 10 million years.

However, the newly described Laurasia species lived at the same time as the oldest known southern dinosaurs.

named Avaitum banduicheThis sauropod is the oldest known Laurasian dinosaur.

“Avaitum banduiche Dr. Dave Loveless of the University of Wisconsin Museum of Geology and his colleagues found that “Dinosaurs lived in Laurasia during or shortly after a period of huge climate change known as the Carnian Plug, which previously led to the diversification of dinosaur species. “It was involved in the early stages of.” .

“The climate at the time was much wetter than before, turning vast, hot desert regions into more hospitable habitats for early dinosaurs.”

Avaitum banduiche It was about 1 meter (3 feet) long from head to tail.

“Avaitum banduiche “It's basically the size of a chicken, but it has a very long tail,” Dr. Lovelace said.

“We think of dinosaurs as giant behemoths, but they didn't start out that way.”

fossil remains are Avaitum banduiche It was discovered in 2013 at Garrett's Surprise (named after Garrett Johnson, the undergraduate field assistant who discovered the locality), a small outcrop of the Popo Aggie Formation in Wyoming.

“These fossils reveal the world's oldest equatorial dinosaur, which is also the oldest North American dinosaur,” Dr. Loveless said.

At the same Garrett's Surprise site, paleontologists also discovered fossilized bones of dinosaur-like creatures called silesaurids.

“The presence of early low-latitude sauropods from the Northern Hemisphere, along with silesaurids, 230 million years ago casts doubt on the hypothesis that the dispersal of dinosaurs from high-latitude Gondwana was delayed.” the researchers said.

“These data fill a critical gap in the early record of the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs and demonstrate a wide geographic distribution from mid-to-late Carnian times.”

their result will appear in Zoological journal of the Linnean Society.

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David M. Lovelace others. 2025. Rethinking the origins of dinosaurs: The oldest known equatorial dinosaur population (Mid-Late Carnian Popo Aggie FM, Wyoming, USA). Zoological journal of the Linnean Society 203 (1): zlae153;doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae153

Source: www.sci.news