Ornithologists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have unveiled the most comprehensive evolutionary tree of birds to date. This groundbreaking research reveals unexpected relationships and serves as a fascinating illustration for bird enthusiasts. Explore the World Bird Lineage Explorer, where you can track lineage and evolutionary milestones.
European bee-eater (Merops apiaster). Image credit: Rashuli / CC BY 2.0.
Understanding the phylogeny of birds is crucial for advancing bird research.
With over 11,000 bird species worldwide, consolidating phylogenetic trees into a singular, updated resource has posed significant challenges for ornithologists.
The Birds of the World Phylogeny Explorer directly addresses these challenges, remaining current with the latest scientific discoveries.
“This tool combines centuries of avian research with advanced computational tools, creating a captivating interactive resource that narrates the story of bird evolution,” stated Dr. Elliott Miller, a researcher with the American Bird Conservancy.
“New evolutionary relationships are constantly being discovered. We release annual updates to our phylogenetic tools, ensuring our datasets align with the latest taxonomy,” he added.
“This tool holds immense value for the scientific community,” remarked Dr. Pam Rasmussen from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
“The complete tree of bird life, built on cutting-edge phylogenetic research, is now a downloadable, interactive dataset from Birds of the World, encouraging further inquiry and exploration.”
“This evolutionary tree provides crucial insights into how evolutionary history has shaped traits such as beak shape, wing length, foraging behaviors, and habitat preferences in birds.”
“Bird lovers will appreciate the personalized features of the Birds of the World Phylogeny Explorer,” Dr. Marshall Iliff noted, also from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
“By logging into the platform, birders can visualize the diversity of their eBird species list, diving deep into bird history across orders, families, and genera, thus revealing noteworthy evolutionary patterns.”
“For birdwatchers, their lifetime list transforms into a personal journey through evolutionary history, highlighting how each species fits into the broader narrative of avian evolution.”
“Users are sure to encounter surprising revelations. For instance, why does the North American woodpecker closely resemble other woodpeckers yet belong to a different lineage?”
“Or why are peregrine falcons fierce hunters like hawks and eagles, even though they originate from a separate branch of the family tree?”
“Solving these taxonomic enigmas can become a lifelong pursuit for anyone deeply passionate about birds.”
A newly identified genus and species of titanosaurus, a colossal sauropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, has been uncovered from fossils in northern Patagonia, Argentina.
Reconstructing the life of Yenen Hassai. Image credit: Gabriel Rio.
Named Yenen Hassai, this new species roamed Earth approximately 83 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
This ancient creature belongs to the Titanosauridae, a fascinating group of large, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs that thrived on the Gondwana supercontinent.
“The head of Yenen Hassai was proportionately smaller compared to its massive body,” explained Dr. Leonardo Filippi, a paleontologist from CONICET and the Urquiza Municipal Museum in Argentina.
“This titanosaur measured between 10 to 12 meters (33 to 39 feet) in length and weighed approximately 8 to 10 tons.”
The fossil remains of Yenen Hassai were excavated from the Bajo de la Carpa Formation at a site known as Cerro Obero la Invernada in Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina.
This material showcases one of the most complete titanosaur skeletons found in the region, preserving six cervical vertebrae, ten dorsal vertebrae with associated ribs, the sacrum, and the first caudal vertebra.
Alongside the holotype, researchers identified remains of at least two additional sauropods at the site, including a juvenile specimen and another adult titanosaur, which may belong to an unclassified species.
“Through phylogenetic analysis, Yenen Hassai is found to be closely related to Nalambuenatitan and Overosaurus, as a basal member of an unnamed clade of derived non-lithostrotians saltasaurids,” they noted.
“Evidence from the titanosaur fauna at Cerro Obero la Invernada indicates that species diversity was relatively high during the Santonian period, suggesting that at least two lineages, colossosaurs and saltasauroids, coexisted.”
“This discovery positions the Cerro Obero-La Invernada region as the area with the highest diversity of titanosaurs during the Santonian of the Neuquén Basin, offering crucial insights into the evolution of dinosaur fauna in this era.”
This significant finding is detailed in a recent article: research paper published in the Journal of Historical Biology on January 12, 2026.
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LS Filippi et al.Yenen Hassai: An Overview of Sauropod Titanosaurs Diversity from the Cerro Overo-La Invernada Region (Bajo de la Carpa Formation of the Santonian), Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Historical Biology published online January 12, 2026. doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2584707
A groundbreaking study conducted by paleontologists from the University of Bristol, the University of Manchester, and the University of Melbourne has uncovered that the giant ancestors of modern kangaroos possessed robust hindlimb bony and tendon structures, enabling them to endure the stress of jumping. This challenges the previous assumption that body size strictly limited this iconic locomotion.
Currently, red kangaroos represent the largest living jumping animals, averaging a weight of approximately 90 kg.
However, during the Ice Age, some kangaroo species reached weights exceeding 250 kg—more than double the size of today’s largest kangaroos.
Historically, researchers speculated that these giant kangaroos must have ceased hopping, as early studies indicated that jumping became mechanically impractical beyond 150 kg.
“Earlier estimates relied on simplistic models of modern kangaroos, overlooking critical anatomical variations,” explained Dr. Megan Jones, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne.
“Our research indicates that these ancient animals weren’t simply larger versions of today’s kangaroos; their anatomy was specifically adapted to support their massive size.”
In this new study, Dr. Jones and her team examined the hind limbs of 94 modern and 40 fossil specimens from 63 species, including members of the extinct giant kangaroo group, Protemnodon, which thrived during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
The researchers assessed body weight estimates and analyzed the fourth metatarsal length and diameter (a crucial elongated foot bone for jumping in modern kangaroos) to evaluate its capacity to endure jumping stresses.
Comparisons were drawn between the heel bone structures of giant kangaroos and their modern counterparts.
The team estimated the strength of tendons necessary for the jumping force of a giant kangaroo and determined whether the heel bones could accommodate such tendons.
The findings suggest that the metatarsals of all giant kangaroos were adequate to withstand jumping pressures, and the heel bones were sufficiently large to support the width of the required jump tendons.
These results imply that all giant kangaroo species had the physical capability to jump.
Nevertheless, the researchers caution that giant kangaroos likely did not rely solely on hopping for locomotion, given their large body sizes, which would hinder long-distance movement.
They highlight that sporadic hopping is observed in many smaller species today, such as hopping rodents and smaller marsupials.
Some giant kangaroo species may have used short, quick jumps to evade predators. Thylacoleo.
“Thicker tendons offer increased safety but store less elastic energy,” said Dr. Katrina Jones, a researcher at the University of Bristol.
“This trait may have rendered giant kangaroo hoppers slower and less efficient, making them more suited for short distances rather than extensive travel.”
“Even so, hopping doesn’t need to be maximally energy-efficient to be advantageous. These animals likely leveraged their hopping ability to rapidly navigate uneven terrain or evade threats.”
University of Manchester researcher Dr. Robert Nudds remarks: “Our findings enhance the understanding that prehistoric Australian kangaroos exhibited greater ecological diversity than seen today, with some large species functioning as herbivores, akin to modern kangaroos, while others filled ecological niches as browsers, a category absent among today’s large kangaroos.”
For more details, refer to the study results published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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M.E. Jones et al. 2026. Biomechanical Limits of Hindlimb Hopping in Extinct Giant Kangaroos. Scientific Reports 16/1309. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29939-7
Same-sex sexual activity isn’t exclusive to humans; various primates engage in it too.
A recent study identified 59 non-human primate species, including bonobos, chimpanzees, and macaques, that exhibit same-sex behavior.
This extensive research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, is the most thorough review to date of same-sex behavior among primates (excluding humans). The findings challenge existing assumptions about the purpose of sexual activities within the animal kingdom and indicate that sex may serve a more complex social function.
The authors propose that same-sex behavior has evolved to assist primates in navigating complex social structures, reducing conflict, and strengthening bonds. They suggest that both genetic factors and external environmental stresses influence this behavior.
Vincent Savolainen, director of the Georgina Mace Center for the Living Planet at Imperial College London and lead author of the study, stated: “Our findings illustrate that homosexuality is not an anomaly; it’s widespread, beneficial, and essential.”
In their study, Savolainen and colleagues evaluated existing data from 491 primate species, focusing on documented instances of same-sex sexual activities.
“The behaviors observed included mounting, ventral-to-ventral, or ventral-to-dorsal contact, genital touching, and fellatio, encompassing both male-to-male and female-to-female interactions,” the study highlighted. Non-sexual same-sex interactions were excluded to maintain clarity.
Findings suggest that same-sex behavior is more prevalent among animals needing social cohesion to endure harsh environmental conditions, facing predation risks, or competing for resources. It is particularly common in social structures with rigid hierarchies, where sexual behaviors help individuals manage competition and foster alliances to reduce intergroup aggression.
“People often underestimate the significance of same-sex behavior in societal dynamics; it is as crucial as eating, fighting, parenting, and nurturing,” Savolainen remarked.
He likened same-sex sexual interactions to a form of “currency” that may enhance social standing, create opportunities, and facilitate resource sharing.
“In times of social strife, utilizing same-sex behavior can be advantageous,” Savolainen explained.
He noted that while this behavior is likely to be present in more than 23 primate species, limited data in the field and a lack of focused studies hinder comprehensive understanding.
Observing and interpreting same-sex sexual behavior can be challenging for scientists. Historically, many researchers viewed these behaviors as unusual and neglected documentation. Additionally, securing funding for studies on same-sex behavior in animals has been difficult, particularly from government sources.
“We have a plethora of species about which we lack knowledge. This knowledge gap is significant,” Savolainen warned. “Unless we incorporate same-sex behavior into our understanding of social dynamics, we can’t fully grasp how societies operate. We aim to gather more data in forthcoming studies.”
While the new research doesn’t directly relate its findings to contemporary human sexual behavior, it suggests that our ancestors experienced social and environmental pressures similar to those driving same-sex behavior in other primates.
Marlene Zook, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Minnesota who studies same-sex behavior in animals, commented on the interesting breadth of the analysis.
“The extensive range of data collected in this study is particularly impressive,” she noted.
Zook expressed no surprise at the conclusion emphasizing the influence of environmental and social factors on same-sex behavior. The study prompts a reconsideration of widespread misconceptions regarding animal sexual conduct, emphasizing its complexity beyond mere reproduction.
“Sexual behavior often transcends reproduction, a fact evident in our species. However, many tend to overlook this reality in animals,” Zook observed. “People seem to assume that animals, unlike humans, conduct sexual activities purely for procreation purposes, which is quite inaccurate.”
Zook added that the scientific community has traditionally dismissed the concept of a “gay gene” that directly influences homosexual behavior.
“No single gene dictates homosexual behavior in humans or other animals. Instead, a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors shape nearly all behaviors and traits, whether they be physical or psychological,” she concluded.
Deep within Bolivia’s seasonally flooded savannah, a small olive-green songbird has eluded scientific classification for decades. After 60 years of misidentification, ornithologists have finally confirmed that this bird is not merely a regional variant within the genus Hylophilus. It represents a completely new species. This discovery adds to South America’s rich avian diversity and underscores the vast unknowns still present within even well-studied bird families.
Beni Greenlet (Hylophilus moxensis), January 10, 2024, in its habitat near San Ramon, Beni, Bolivia. Observe the pale brownish-gray pinnae, dark lore, the base of the dark commissures, the clefts across the crown and frontal area, and the dark iris. Image credit: Tini Wijpkema.
The newly identified species belongs to the Hylophilus genus, part of the Vireonidae family, which includes vireos, greenlets, and shrikes.
With the scientific name Hylophilus moxensis (common name: Beni Greenlet), this bird thrives in the wet scrublands of Bolivia’s Beni Savannah, an ecologically unique area also known as Llanos de Moxos.
“Morphological differences among many Hylophilus Greenlet species are subtle. Most display shades of green, gray, yellow, and brown,” explains Dr. Paul Van Els, an ornithologist at the National Museum of History in La Paz, Bolivia. He and his colleagues detailed their findings in a recent paper.
“For certain species, iris color is one of the most effective traits to differentiate them from similarly appearing relatives.”
By analyzing one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes, the research team clarified the uncertainty surrounding this population.
Results revealed that the Beni population is distinct from known species and is more closely related to Hylophilus poirotis and Hylophilus amaurocephalus, which diverged approximately 6.6 million years ago.
In contrast, the latter two species separated from one another about 3.5 million years ago.
Van Els and his team also conducted comprehensive analyses of facial plumage, eye color, and vocalizations.
Research indicates that the Hylophilus moxensis can be uniquely identified by the absence of black or brown markings behind the ears, a trait consistently found in closely related species, along with uniformly dark brown eyes and a distinctive vocal pattern.
In vocal studies, researchers observed that this species’ calls feature “V-shaped notes,” and their vocalizations include overtones reminiscent of female Hylophilus amaurocephalus calls—a unique combination not shared with either comparative species.
The discovery of Hylophilus moxensis contributes to a growing list of endemic species found in the Beni savannah.
While scientists currently do not regard this species as threatened with extinction, they caution that extensive agricultural burning poses significant threats to the region’s biodiversity.
“Recognizing Hylophilus moxensis should enhance conservation priorities in this area,” the authors noted.
“Rampant agricultural burning poses a serious risk to the region’s biodiversity.”
“Though we cannot accurately estimate the population size of Hylophilus moxensis, we do not currently consider it at risk of extinction, as there remains extensive suitable habitat.”
“However, the relatively low number of sightings might indicate issues beyond mere observer rarity, potentially reflecting a truly localized population.”
Meet the fascinating Zavasephale Rinpoche, a dome-headed dinosaur from Mongolia, dating back 108 million years. This remarkable creature is the oldest of its kind, with paleontologists describing its fossilized skull resembling a “cabochon gem.” While related species can grow up to 4 meters and weigh 400 kilograms, this juvenile measured around 1 meter in length and weighed approximately 6 kilograms.
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Matthew Dempsey</p>
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<p>Scientists recently examined 165 million-year-old fossils from Morocco, leading to the identification of <em>Spicomerus afar</em>, a heavily armored dinosaur with a striking appearance. According to <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/people/susannah-maidment.html">Suzanna Maidment</a> from the Natural History Museum, the unique features of this dinosaur led her team to describe it as "baroque."</p>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Masato Hattori</p>
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<p>The 90-million-year-old <em>Duonyx tsogtbatari</em>, found in the Gobi Desert, might remind you of Edward Scissorhands due to its bipedal stance and two elongated fingers. These fingers, each equipped with massive claws measuring up to 30 centimeters, were likely used to grasp branches for feeding.</p>
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<p>If you’re a fan of <em>Jurassic Park</em>, be wary of the <em>Sri Rapax</em>. This dinosaur, discovered in the Gobi Desert, features menacing claws and was likely one of the fiercest predators during its time, 75 to 71 million years ago, hunting in sprawling deserts and lakes.</p>
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<p>Discovered in China, the 150 million-year-old fossil <em>Baminornis zhenghensis</em> raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary link between birds and dinosaurs. Researchers suggest it could be the oldest bird discovered, showcasing shorter tail features than <em>Archaeopteryx</em>, hinting that modern bird characteristics evolved earlier than expected.</p>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History</p>
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<p>The terrifying <em>Joaquinraptor casali</em>, discovered in Patagonia, showcases a unique predator adaptation—its jaw was found with a crocodile's foot lodged in it. With a thumb claw akin to a human forearm, this new <em>Megaraptor</em> species likely grew to over 7 meters long, weighing around 1 tonne, making it one of the fiercest contenders of the Cretaceous period.</p>
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<h3 class="SpecialArticleUnit__Heading">Dinosaur Hunting in Mongolia's Gobi Desert</h3>
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<p>Join an exhilarating expedition to unearth dinosaur remains in the Gobi Desert, one of the world's premier paleontology sites.</p>
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Ornithologists have utilized camera traps to document a newly identified species of jewel bubbler in the lush karst forests of Papua New Guinea’s Southern Fold Mountains.
Camera trap images showcasing the holotype and two paratypes of Ptilorrhoa urrissia taken during a detailed 3-month sampling in a high-density array over 0.5 ha. The holotype (ac, marked ‘h’ in image a) and a paratype (a and d, marked ‘p’ in image a), an adult female and juvenile with female-type plumage, were photographed together on January 1, 2020. The shown image is from a sequence of 20 photos captured within 87 seconds. A putative adult male paratype (e) was photographed on March 8, 2020, from under 40 meters. Image credit: Woxvold et al., doi: 10.1111/ibi.70016.
The newly identified species falls under the genus Ptilorrhoa, known for small birds in the family Cinclosomatidae.
Commonly referred to as jewel bubblers, these unique birds are endemic to New Guinea.
According to Ian Wachsvold, an ornithologist with the Australian Museum Research Institute, “Jewel bubblers are a group of ground-dwelling, insectivorous passerines found exclusively in New Guinea and nearby land-bridge islands.”
“These birds are characterized by their plump bodies, short wings, black masks, and white throat or cheek patches, with many species having soft feathers adorned with blue or maroon markings.”
“Typically vocal but shy, they dwell deep within the forests, making them more often heard than seen.”
“Currently, there are four recognized species, with three found across much of New Guinea, differentiated mainly by their altitude – Ptilorrhoa caerulescens lives in lowland areas, while Ptilorrhoa castanonota resides in hills and low mountains; Ptilorrhoa leucosticta prefers dense forests.”
“The fourth species, the brown-headed jewel bubbler (Ptilorrhoa geislerorum), has been recorded in two geographically separated regions: the hills and lowlands of northeastern Papua New Guinea, and a recently discovered population presumed to be this species located far west of Yapen Island.”
In 2017, Dr. Wachsvold and Leo Regula from Lihir Gold Ltd. initiated a biennial camera trap monitoring program for ground-dwelling birds and mammals on the Igif Ridge (Uri [mount] Uricia in the local Fasu language), a limestone forested anticline situated on the southeastern fringe of the Agogo Mountains in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.
Throughout this research, distinctive, undescribed jewel bubblers were captured on camera.
“During over 1,800 camera days, we recorded 10 images of the bird across three sequences (trigger events) using two cameras set approximately 600 meters apart,” the researchers noted.
“In November 2018, we attempted to set up mist nets to capture these birds but were unsuccessful.”
“Camera trap surveillance was repeated in 2019, 2021, and 2024, accumulating a total of 94 photographs (22 sequences) and seven 30-second videos (4 sequences) featuring at least three to six birds, with 11 cameras monitoring an area of 16 hectares.”
Analysis of museum specimens alongside field photographic evidence confirms that the bird in question distinctly differs from other known Ptilorrhoa species.
Pyroroa urrissia),” they stated.
Pyroroa urrissia appears to be a resident species in the Yagif Ridge area, with birds photographed consistently over a span of ten consecutive months (June through March) across seven years.
The total number of newly detected species during the sampling period probably comprises fewer than ten birds.
“This species tends to be observed alone, in pairs, or in small family groups of three to four,” the researchers highlighted.
“Data indicates a similar social organization to other jewel bubblers worldwide. The Pyroroa urrissia duo is frequently photographed together, with most records (all but 3 sequences of one male) gathered from a 7 ha area; most likely indicating two breeding events involving a resident pair and their offspring.”
“We hypothesize that the Igif Ridge supports a fragmented population occupying an isolated low mountain lacking higher altitude support for Ptilorrhoa leucosticta,” they add.
“Potentially suitable habitats may be restricted to regions between Mt Bosabi and Mt Karimui in southern Papua New Guinea.”
To date, no songs have been distinctly attributed to any Ptilorrhoa species aside from Ptilorrhoa castanonota, although the team did encounter vocalizations on the Igif Ridge.
The new species appears to produce softer calls compared to other species such as Ptilorrhoa caerulescens and Ptilorrhoa castanonota, while showing behavioral similarities to Ptilorrhoa leucosticta.
“Jewel bubblers on the Igif Ridge are threatened by multiple factors,” scientists warn.
“Known native predators include at least three marsupials, such as the New Guinea quoll (Dasyrus albopuntatus), the woolly three-striped dasher (Myoichthys leucula), and certain Murexia species. Furthermore, the Papuan eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguineae), goshawk (Accipiter poliocephalus), and the great owl (Tito tenebricosa) prey on the ground, possibly targeting adult birds or their young.”
“Invasive predators represent an additional significant risk, especially for ground-nesting species like the jewel bubbler.”
“Domestic cats (Felis catus) have been photographed on Igif Ridge thrice in 2021 and 2024.”
“Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are frequently spotted in the area, often accompanying hunters or loitering opportunistically.”
“Lastly, climate change poses a severe threat to tropical montane birds, particularly those like Pyroroa urrissia that have limited dispersal capabilities and no access to high-altitude environments on Igif Ridge.”
The findings of this significant discovery were published in a study in the journal Toki on November 26, 2025.
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Ian A. Wachsvold et al. A newly identified species of jewel bubbler (Cinclosomatidae: Ptilorrhoa) from Papua New Guinea’s Southern Fold Mountains. Toki, published online November 26, 2025. doi: 10.1111/ibi.70016
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and La Trobe University questions the classification of the Littlefoot fossil, Australopithecus prometheus.
Littlefoot fossil from Sterkfontein Cave, central South Africa. Image credit: Purdue University.
The Littlefoot fossils were found in 1994 within a cave in Sterkfontein, central South Africa.
This specimen, referred to as StW 573, drew its name from the four small leg bones discovered in a box containing animal fossils, leading to the uncovering of the skeleton.
In the 2010s, paleoanthropologist Ronald Clark proposed that Littlefoot belonged to a hominin species known as Australopithecus prometheus.
Others argued that it was Australopithecus africanus, a hominid species first identified by Australian anatomist Raymond Dart in 1925 and already well-known in the region and across South Africa.
However, a new investigation by Dr. Jesse Martin and his team at La Trobe University has determined that Littlefoot does not exhibit a distinct set of traits linked to either species, suggesting it may be a completely new species.
“This fossil represents one of the most significant discoveries in human history, and its identity is crucial for understanding our evolutionary background,” stated Martin.
“We believe it’s evident that it does not belong to Australopithecus prometheus or Australopithecus africanus. This is likely a previously unidentified ancestor of humans.”
“Dr. Clark deserves recognition for discovering Littlefoot and for being among the few to suggest the presence of two hominin species in Sterkfontein.”
“Littlefoot indicates that this is likely true; there are indeed two species.”
Another forensic facial reconstruction of Australopithecus species – afarensis. Image credit: Cicero Moraes / CC BY-SA 3.0.
The researchers now intend to determine which species Littlefoot represents and how it fits within the human evolutionary tree.
Professor Andy Herries, a researcher at La Trobe University and the University of Johannesburg, remarked: “Littlefoot is one of the most complete and significant fossils ever discovered, providing valuable insights into early human diversity and how our ancestors adapted to various environments in southern Africa.”
“It is distinctly different from the designated specimen of Australopithecus prometheus, a classification based on the notion that early humans mastered fire, which we now understand was not the case.”
“Its unique significance compared to other contemporary fossils clearly indicates the necessity of defining it as a distinct species.”
Regarding this research, a paper was published in the December 2025 issue of the American Journal of Biological Anthropology.
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Jesse M. Martin et al. 2025. StW 573 Littlefoot fossil is Australopithecus prometheus. American Journal of Biological Anthropology 188 (4): e70177; doi: 10.1002/ajpa.70177
A novel genus and species of mid-Oligocene nimuravid has been identified from fossil remains unearthed in northern China. This finding enhances our understanding of Nimurabiidae in eastern Eurasia.
Reimagining the life of Taotienimravus songi in a Chinese painting style. Image credit: Yuefeng Song.
Taotienimravus songi inhabited what is now China during the mid-Oligocene period, around 28 million years ago.
This ancient species is part of the Nimuravidae family, an extinct group of saber-toothed hypercarnivores, often referred to as pseudosaber-toothed cats.
“Carnivora demonstrates the broadest range in body sizes among mammals, with the smallest weasel weighing roughly 50 g. Pinnipeds average over 3 tons,” stated Dr. Qigao Jiangzuo of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“With few exceptions, such as the bear family, large terrestrial carnivores, particularly those exceeding 20 kg, generally maintain a macrocarnivorous diet, targeting large prey of similar size or larger.”
“Often called pseudosabertooths, the Nimurabiidae represents one of the earliest diverging lineages within the Carnivora order, noted for their large size, hypercarnivorous craniodental features, and potentially macrocarnivorous behaviors,” the researchers added.
“The earliest fossils from this family, dating back to the mid-Eocene, belonged to highly specialized species exhibiting cat-like craniodental characteristics.”
“Nimuravidae underwent radiation during the Eocene to Oligocene, with the best-preserved specimens found primarily in North America, where numerous skulls and complete skeletons have been discovered.”
“Eurasia also contains numerous fossil remains, though they tend to be poorly preserved.”
“As the first lineage within Carnivora to develop large body sizes, this family is an excellent model for studying the evolution of early large carnivorous niches in an environmental context vastly different from that of today.”
The skeletal remains of Taotienimravus songi were discovered in the Qingshuiying Formation in northern China.
Specimen analysis indicates that this new species uniquely displays non-saber-toothed morphology with bone-cracking adaptations within the Nimuravidae family.
This animal likely engaged in a killing behavior distinct from other feline carnivores, possibly employing a tearing bite akin to that of hyenas.
“The defining characteristics of the new Nimuravid include exceptionally short and robust upper canine teeth along with a notably wide palatal area,” the paleontologists noted.
“The rostrum is exceedingly wide, probably the widest of any known Nimravid.”
“In contrast to many feline carnivores, the premolars do not diminish in size; rather, they increase, eliminating the gap between the canines and cheek teeth.”
“This contrasts with most feline carnivores, which almost invariably exhibit diastema.”
“We interpret this absence of a gap as an indicator of a strong canine bite, allowing for deep penetration into prey.”
Phylogenetic analysis positions Taotienimravus songi within the Nimravinae, creating a sister lineage to those in Europe and North America, such as Nimravus and Dinahelurus.
This clade shares a close relation to the European lineage encompassing Iofelis, Denailictis, and Quercyllus.
“The increase in size within Nimuravidae seems to align with the extinction of another carnivorous group, Oxyaenidae, during the Paleogene,” the researchers stated.
“The initial emergence of large carnivorous traits within the Carnivora order likely reflects competitive interactions driven by ecomorphic dynamics.”
“Nimuravidae effectively occupied ecological niches unavailable to Felidae, probably due to the lack of competition within Carnivora for much of their evolutionary history.”
“This study emphasizes the impact of both abiotic and biotic factors in shaping niche availability for these animals and underscores the need to discuss niche evolution and change within this framework.”
A study detailing this discovery was published on November 26, 2025, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
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Qigao Jiangzuo et al. 2025. A new ecomorph of the Nimravidae and the exploration of early large carnivores within the order Carnivora. Proc Biol Sci 292 (2059): 20251686; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.1686
Nanotyrannus lansensis — For years, many believed these specimens were juvenile tyrannosaurus rex — However, a team of American paleontologists analyzed the ceratobranchia (hyoid bone) and concluded that it was actually a distinct, fully grown small tyrannosaurid. This finding shed light on the growth history of Nanotyrannus lansensis.
Encounter between adults of Nanotyrannus lansensis (left) and two juvenile tyrannosaurus rex, with a sub-adult tyrannosaurus rex watching from a distance. Image credit: Jorge Gonzalez.
Nanotyrannus lansensis measures 5.5 meters (18 feet) tall, which is relatively small compared to its length of over 12 meters (40 feet) compared to tyrannosaurus rex.
Initially discovered in 1942, Nanotyrannus lansensis was first classified as gorgosaurus, but through further scientific investigation, it was redefined as a separate species in 1988.
The main cause of the lengthy debate over the classification is that the holotype consists solely of an isolated skull, while traditional assessments of maturity often rely on limb bones.
Until recently, studies on other more complete fossils of Nanotyrannus lansensis yielded conflicting conclusions.
In a recent study, paleontologist Christopher Griffin from Princeton University and his team discovered that the microstructure of small bones in the throat ceratobranchial can accurately indicate the age and skeletal maturity of fossil specimens.
“At the time, there was a general consensus that the holotype skull of Nanotyrannus represented an immature tyrannosaurus rex rather than a distinct species,” Dr. Griffin stated.
“We initially aimed to follow that consensus, but upon examining samples of the hyoid bone and noticing characteristics strongly indicating maturity, we realized we needed to reevaluate that notion.”
The researchers found that in both modern archosaurs (like ostriches and crocodiles) and extinct theropods, the ceratobranch bones retain unique signals of growth and maturation, making them particularly useful for determining the developmental stage of fully mature individuals.
Using this technique, the team studied the holotype of Nanotyrannus lansensis and analyzed three sections of its ceratobranchia, identifying several features that suggest near-complete skeletal maturity.
This indicates that Nanotyrannus lansensis is a taxonomically distinct species that coexisted with tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting a greater diversity of predators in Late Cretaceous ecosystems than previously understood.
“This smaller-bodied tyrannosaurus rex indicates that the carnivore’s hyoid displayed a growth pattern suggesting it had reached or was close to maturity,” remarked paleontologist Ashley Poust of the University of Nebraska State Museum.
“We can now confidently affirm our classification of Nanotyrannus as separate from tyrannosaurus rex.”
“This implies the presence of at least two carnivores of different sizes in the same environment, which has significant implications for dinosaur ecology and extinction,” he added.
“Understanding what existed helps us gauge the size of the fossil record and how species have evolved over time.”
“Furthermore, it’s crucial to comprehend the complexity of the ecosystem.”
Results from this study are published in the journal Science.
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Christopher T. Griffin et al. A small Tyrannosaurus rex lived alongside tyrannosaurus rex. Science published online on December 4, 2025. doi: 10.1126/science.adx8706
Paleontologists have undertaken a thorough anatomical reevaluation of the fossilized remains of two coelurosaurian theropod dinosaurs that inhabited South America during the Early Cretaceous period: Santanaraptor Placidus and Milischia asymmetrica.
Hypothetical reconstruction of Milischia asymmetrica (left) and Santanaraptor Placidus (right), focusing on lizards that existed in what is now northeastern Brazil approximately 112 million years ago. Image credit: Guilherme Gehr.
The holotypes of these coelurosaurs were discovered in Romualdo Formation in 1996 and 2000, respectively.
Dr. Rafael Delcourt from the University of São Paulo and his team stated, “The Romualdo Formation is a renowned Early Cretaceous fossil hotspot situated along the edge of the Araripe Plateau in northwestern Brazil.”
“Its megafossil record encompasses plants, invertebrates, turtles, crocodiles, pterosaurs, theropod dinosaurs, as well as one of the most diverse and well-preserved ichthyofaunas from the Mesozoic era.”
“Spinosaurids are among the most notable Romualdian theropods, with numerous reference specimens including the well-preserved skull of Illitator Challenger and the snout of Illitator ChallengerAngaturama Limai.”
“Both Santanaraptor Placidus and Milischia asymmetrica originate from the same deposits that produced Spinosaurus, specifically the upper carbonate condensation level of the renowned Romualdo Formation.”
In their new study, Dr. Delcourt and collaborators from Brazil, Argentina, and Germany revised and compared the anatomy of Santanaraptor Placidus and Milischia asymmetrica to examine their phylogenetic relationships and potential synonymy.
Their analysis positions both species within an early-divergent group of maniraptoromorph dinosaurs, alongside Juratirant Rangami and Taniko Lagreus Topwilsoni, dating back to the Late Jurassic of Laurasia, indicating an early diversification of coelurosaurs in this region.
While there is some skeletal overlap, notable anatomical differences affirm their classification as separate species.
“The clade containing Juratirant Rangami, Milischia asymmetrica, Taniko Lagreus Topwilsoni, and Santanaraptor Placidus appears to extend back to at least Laurasia in the Late Jurassic, prior to the formation of the Apulian sea route that facilitated faunal exchange in the Early Cretaceous,” noted the paleontologists.
“At that time, a variety of coelurosaurs existed in both Laurasia and Gondwana, including Megaraptorra and branches such as ornithomimosaur, alvarezaurid, and dromaeosaurid.”
“Our phylogenetic model aligns more closely with the existing biogeographical data than one that confines Romualdocoelurosaurids primarily within Laurasian compsognathids or tyrannosaurids.”
“However, further studies and extensive fieldwork are necessary to clarify the early radiation of Coelurosaurus and its affinities with Romualdo morphology.”
A paper detailing these findings was published on November 18, 2025, in Anatomical Records.
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Rafael Delcourt and colleagues. Coelurosaurian theropods of the Romualdo Formation of the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) of Brazil: Santanaraptor Placidus meets Milischia asymmetrica. Anatomical Records, published online on November 18, 2025. doi: 10.1002/ar.70085
A recently identified sauropod dinosaur, Mamenchisaurus, was discovered in China, originating from the late Jurassic period.
Reconstruction of the life of Mamenchisaurus species, Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum. Image credit: Júlia d’Oliveira.
Mamenchisaurus sanggensis existed during the early Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 160 million years ago.
This dinosaur belonged to the divergent Mamenchisauridae family, sharing a close relationship with other Mamenchisaurus species.
“The diversity of sauropod dinosaurs peaked in the Late Jurassic, encompassing numerous geographically widespread non-neosauropod eusauropod lineages (like Mamenchisaurs and turiasaurs) alongside a broad array of globally distributed neosauropod members (Diplodocoidea and Macronaria),” stated Dr. Hui Dai, a paleontologist at the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology.
“Late Jurassic sedimentary formations in China preserve a rich sauropod fossil record, predominantly featuring mamenchisaurids, although precise neosauropod remains are largely recognized from the Middle Early Jurassic period.”
“The dominance of sauropod faunas in Asia contrasts sharply with that of contemporary European and North and South American strata.”
“Additionally, most of the late Jurassic Asian sauropod diversity is traced back to deposits from the lower section, particularly around the transition from the Middle to Late Jurassic.”
A partial skeleton of Mamenchisaurus sanggensis was uncovered at a fossil site in Chongqing, located in southwest China.
“The remains were found in reddish-purple silty mudstone near the upper layer of the Shaximyo formation,” paleontologists noted.
“While a general Callovian-Oxford age for this formation has traditionally been assumed, the exact age remains a subject of debate.”
The discovery of Mamenchisaurus sanggensis adds to the diversity of early-branching sauropod dinosaurs and offers further insights into the evolutionary history of sauropods in northwestern China.
“A deeper understanding of the evolutionary relationships among mid to late Jurassic Chinese eusauropods may have implications for testing theories regarding the isolation of East Asia from western Laurasia and Gondwana during this era and for the paleobiogeographic history of early diverging sauropods and more broadly, eusauropods,” the researchers remarked.
“Nonetheless, our knowledge of this evolutionary transition is incomplete, and a reexamination of specimens is essential to bridge the existing ‘gap’ in East Asian lineages.”
The study was published in the Journal on November 25, 2025 in Scientific Reports.
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H. Dai et al. A new mamenchisaurid sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic of southwestern China reveals fresh insights into the evolution of East Asian eusauropods. Scientific Reports, published online on November 25, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29995-z
In 2009, paleoanthropologists uncovered eight foot bones from ancient human ancestors in 3.4 million-year-old deposits at the Wolanso Mir site in Ethiopia’s Afar Rift Valley. A new study reveals that this fossil, known as Brutele’s foot, belongs to Australopithecus deiremeda. This finding adds to the evidence that two hominin species, Australopithecus deiremeda and Australopithecus afarensis, coexisted in the same region at the same time.
Australopithecus deiremeda and Australopithecus afarensis. Image credit: Gemini AI.
“When we found this foot in 2009 and announced it in 2012, we recognized it was distinct from Lucy’s species, although Australopithecus afarensis has received significant attention since then,” stated Professor Johannes Haile Selassie from Arizona State University.
“Typically, naming a species based on postcranial elements is uncommon in our field, so we anticipated finding something distinctly linked to the feet from the neck up.
“Traditionally, the skull, jaw, and teeth are the primary markers for species identification.”
“When Bartele’s foot was first reported, some teeth had already been found in the same area, but we weren’t certain they were from the same deposit level.”
“Then in 2015, scientists classified a new species, Australopithecus deiremeda, from the same region, but the foot was not included, despite other specimens being unearthed nearby.”
“Over the last decade, our repeated fieldwork has yielded more fossils, allowing us to confidently link Brutele’s foot to the species Australopithecus deiremeda.”
Australopithecus deiremeda exhibits more primitive foot structures compared to Lucy’s species, Australopithecus afarensis.
While retaining an opposable thumb useful for climbing, it is believed that Australopithecus deiremeda likely walked on two legs, with an emphasis on their second toes rather than their big toes, as is the case with modern humans.
“The presence of an opposable big toe in Ardipithecus ramidus was a surprising and unexpected finding, highlighting that 4.4 million years ago, early human ancestors still possessed opposable big toes,” remarked Professor Haile Selassie.
“Then, a million years later, the discovery of Brutele’s foot further amazed us.”
“Currently, we’re in an era where we can observe subsequent species. Members of Australopithecus afarensis had an adducted big toe and displayed complete bipedalism.”
“This indicates that bipedalism, or walking on two legs, manifested in diverse forms among these early human ancestors.”
“The discovery of specimens like Bartele’s foot conveys that there were multiple ways to walk bipedally. It wasn’t until later that a single method emerged.”
To gain insights into their dietary practices, researchers sampled eight of the 25 teeth found in the area related to Australopithecus deiremeda for isotope analysis.
This process involved cleaning the tooth to ensure only the enamel was analyzed.
“I extracted the tooth using a dental drill with a very small bit, similar to what dentists use,” explained Naomi Levin, a professor at the University of Michigan.
“Using this drill, we meticulously remove a small amount of powder, which we store in a vial and return to the lab for isotope analysis.”
“The results were intriguing: Lucy’s species displayed a mixed diet, consuming both C3 (from trees and shrubs) and C4 (tropical grasses and sedges) plants; while Australopithecus deiremeda primarily utilized resources from the C3 category.”
“We were taken aback by how distinctly clear the carbon isotope signal was, mirroring ancient hominin data from Australopithecus ramidus and Australopithecus anamensis.
“I considered the dietary differences between Australopithecus deiremeda and Australopithecus afarensis. Although identifying them was challenging, the isotopic data distinctly indicated that Australopithecus deiremeda was not exploiting the same range of resources as Australopithecus afarensis, known as the earliest hominin to consume C4 grass-based resources.”
Another significant analysis involved accurately dating the fossils and understanding the ancient environments inhabited by these early humans.
“We conducted extensive field research at Wolanso Mir to analyze how different fossil layers interrelate, which is essential for grasping when and in what environments different species thrived,” noted Professor Beverly Thaler from Case Western Reserve University.
In addition to the 25 teeth found at Bartele, researchers also recovered the jaw of a four-and-a-half-year-old child, displaying dental anatomy similar to that of a juvenile Australopithecus deiremeda.
Professor Gary Schwartz from Arizona State University commented: “In juvenile hominins of this age, we observed evident growth discontinuity between front teeth (incisors) and back chewing teeth (molars), akin to patterns in modern apes and early australopiths like Lucy.”
“The most surprising aspect was that, despite gaining a better understanding of the diversity within early australopith (and thus early hominid) species regarding size, diet, locomotion, and anatomy, these early forms appeared surprisingly uniform in growth patterns.”
Findings have been detailed in a paper published in this week’s edition of Nature.
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Y. Haile Selassie et al. New discovery illuminates the diet and lifestyle of Australopithecus deiremeda. Nature published online November 26, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09714-4
The ancient human foot bones have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2009.
Johannes Haile-Selassie
The origins of a 3.4-million-year-old foot bone uncovered in Ethiopia may finally be elucidated, prompting a reevaluation of how various ancient human ancestors cohabited.
In 2009, Johannes Haile-Selassie and his team at Arizona State University unearthed eight hominin bones that previously constituted a right foot at a site known as Burtele in northeastern Ethiopia’s Afar region.
This discovery, dubbed Bartele’s foot, features opposable big toes akin to those of gorillas, indicating that any species could have had arboreal capabilities.
Another ancient human species, Australopithecus afarensis, was known to inhabit the vicinity, with the well-known fossil of Lucy—also discovered in the Afar region—but Bartele’s foot appeared to belong to a different species. “From the outset, we realized it was not part of Lucy’s lineage,” Haile Selassie states.
There were two primary hypotheses that intrigued Haile Selassie: whether the foot was associated with another species within the genus Australopithecus or perhaps an older, more primitive group known as Ardipithecus, which existed in Ethiopia more than a million years ago and also possessed opposable thumbs.
Meanwhile, in 2015, scientists announced the identification of a previously unknown hominid species, named Australopithecus deiremeda, after jaw and tooth remains were found in the same region. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether the enigmatic leg bone was part of A. deiremeda, as its age differed from that of the jaw and tooth remains.
However, in the subsequent year, researchers made a crucial discovery. The lower jaw of A. deiremeda was located within 300 meters of Bartele’s foot, and both sets of remains were dated to the same geological era. This led the research team to conclude that Bartele’s foot belonged to A. deiremeda.
Bartele’s foot (left) and bones shaped like a gorilla’s foot (right), similar to Australopithecus deiremeda
Johannes Haile-Selassie
In a separate part of the study, researchers analyzed Earth’s carbon isotopes. They found that A. deiremeda primarily consumed materials from trees and shrubs, while human teeth were more adapted for a diet rich in grasses than those of afarensis.
Haile Selassie noted that this finding suggests that both hominin species occupied the same ecological niche without competing for resources. He believes these groups could have coexisted harmoniously, engaging in separate activities. “They must have crossed paths and interacted within the same habitat, each doing their own thing,” he remarked. “While members of Australopithecus deiremeda may have spent time in trees, afarensis was likely wandering the adjacent grasslands.”
This revelation enhances our understanding of human evolution. “Historically, some have argued that only a single hominid species existed at any given time, with newer forms emerging eventually,” Haile Selassie explained. “We are now realizing that our evolutionary path was not straightforward. Multiple closely related hominid species coexisted at the same time, indicating that coexistence was a fundamental aspect of our ancestors’ lives.”
Carrie Mongul, a professor at Stony Brook University in New York, expressed enthusiasm about these developments. “Understanding more about the diversity of Pliocene hominins is truly exciting,” she stated. “This period, around 3 million years ago, was rich in evolutionary significance.”
On Wednesday, the Trump administration took steps to reduce the scope of the Endangered Species Act, reinstating modifications from the president’s first term that had previously been blocked by a federal court.
The proposed modifications include removing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “blanket rule,” which automatically safeguards plants and animals once they are deemed endangered. Instead, government agencies will be required to formulate specific regulations for each species, a process that may be time-consuming.
This announcement from the administration follows ongoing pressure from Republican lawmakers and industries such as oil, gas, mining, and agriculture, who have called for reforms to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Critics argue that the law is too broadly applied and hampers economic growth.
Environmental advocates, however, have cautioned that these changes could significantly delay conservation efforts for species like the monarch butterfly, Florida manatee, California spotted owl, and North American wolverine.
Rebecca Riley, managing director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, stated, “They’re attempting to revert to the time when they first weakened the law. We are opposing this, and the Biden administration is working on reversing many of the adverse changes made.”
Scientists and government agencies have indicated that extinction rates are accelerating. Species populations globally are declining due to habitat loss and various pressures. Earlier proposals in President Trump’s second term sought to revise the definition of “harm.” These regulations, grounded in the Endangered Species Act, could allow logging projects on national forests and public lands to bypass species protections.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum commented that the administration aims to restore the original purpose of the Endangered Species Act while also considering “the livelihoods of Americans who rely on our lands and resources.”
“These adjustments eliminate years of legal uncertainty and governmental overreach, thereby providing clarity for states, tribes, landowners, and businesses, and ensuring conservation efforts are based on sound science and common sense,” Burgum stated.
A further proposed change requires authorities to consider potential economic repercussions when identifying critical habitats necessary for a species’ survival, an action that environmental groups claim the 1973 law explicitly prohibits.
This approach could potentially result in species being classified as endangered while allowing ongoing practices that continue to endanger their survival.
Noah Greenwald, co-director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Endangered Species Program, remarked, “What the Trump administration is attempting to do is quantify costs. If you’re aiming to protect the spotted owl, they’re trying to factor in how much that protection would cost. Historically, such costs haven’t influenced decisions regarding critical habitat protections.”
An example involving the Southwest sawfish highlights the possible repercussions of these proposals. The lizard population in Arizona’s Mule Mountains is rapidly declining due to rising temperatures, driving the reptiles towards the highest mountain peaks, pushing them closer to extinction.
A petition filed on Wednesday seeks protection for the lizard and the designation of critical habitat. Advocates believe that an economic impact assessment could hinder timely protections. The primary threat to this spiny dragon population is climate change, which could complicate critical habitat designations further.
“We feel this species should be classified as endangered. Frankly, we are somewhat astonished that this species is not already extinct,” stated John Wiens, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona, who co-authored the petition.
Earlier this March, the Department of the Interior faced legal action from the Real Estate Environmental Research Center (PERC) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation over the comprehensive protection rule. Both organizations claimed the rule was illegal and would hinder states and landowners from facilitating species recovery efforts.
Designating species as “threatened” under the comprehensive rule allows them to automatically receive the same protections as those categorized as “endangered,” which are more stringent. This could lead landowners to become apathetic toward the survival of endangered species, as regulations may remain unchanged even if efforts are made to reclassify endangered species to “threatened” status.
PERC Vice President Jonathan Wood characterized Wednesday’s proposal as a “necessary adjustment” following the Biden administration’s actions.
“This reform acknowledges the illegality of the omnibus rule and re-centers recovery efforts within the Endangered Species Act,” Wood expressed.
The decision regarding the spotted owl was reversed in 2021 after it was found that political appointees had utilized flawed scientific data to justify opening millions of acres of forest on the West Coast to logging. Protections for wolves, on the other hand, remained in effect across most of the United States, only to be reinstated by federal courts in 2022.
The Endangered Species Act, established 50 years ago, continues to have widespread support. According to a recent poll, approximately 84% of Americans endorse the protections that the law affords.
Named Bakirib Waliza, this newly identified species is the first filter-feeding pterosaur documented to inhabit the tropics.
Artistic reconstruction of the filter-feeding pterosaur Bakirib Waliza in an Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation environment. The spinosaurid dinosaur in the background represents a potential predator of Bakirib Waliza. Image credit: Julio Lacerda.
Bakirib Waliza thrived in the tropical latitudes of the Gondwana supercontinent during the Early Cretaceous, approximately 113 million years ago.
This ancient flying reptile belongs to the pterosaur group Pterosaurini, part of the clade Ctenochasmatidae.
“Ctenochasmatidae is a clade of pterosaurs that thrived from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous period,” stated Dr. Aline Ghirardi from the University Nordic of the Rio Grande and her colleagues.
“Recent findings have illuminated the diversity and ecological adaptations of this group, especially through analysis of new fossil specimens from various geographic areas and geological epochs.”
“These pterosaurs exhibit a remarkable evolutionary path, showcasing diverse morphological adaptations and extensive geographic distribution.”
“Recent revelations in China, South America, and Europe have significantly enhanced our understanding of their ecology, revealing the dynamic evolutionary history of this lineage.”
“Ctenochasmatids predominantly flourished from the Late Jurassic to the Barremian, but their numbers gradually waned towards the late Early Cretaceous,” the researchers noted.
“There remains limited knowledge about later species and how their lineages evolved and dispersed between Laurasia and Gondwana.”
The researchers suggested that Bakirib Waliza had an elongated jaw and dense, brush-like teeth, akin to the Ctenokasmatine pterosaurs like Pterodaustro, though the teeth’s cross-section and spacing differ significantly.
“Within the Ctenochasmatidae, the subfamily is recognized for its elongated snouts and numerous fine teeth, traits linked to a distinct feeding strategy,” the researchers stated.
“The evolutionary path of this group has been clarified by discoveries such as Riodactylus primus from the Late Jurassic of Liaoning Province, China, which indicates a significant ecological transition from fishing to filter-feeding within this clade.”
“Extreme examples can be noted in Pterodaustro ginazui, which features a lower jaw outfitted with 1,000 elongated, whisker-like teeth.”
“The extreme morphology of Pterodaustro illustrates a high degree of specialization for filter feeding.”
The two fossil specimens of Bakirib Waliza were uncovered in calcareous concretions within the Romualdo Formation in Brazil’s Araripe Basin.
This sedimentary matrix also contained remains of four fish, likely teleosts from the Early Cretaceous period, such as Thalias.
“Pterosaurs and fish were preserved in wackestone deposits, known for their abundant oriented ostracods and foraminifera, typical of other Romualdo Formation deposits,” the scientists remarked.
“The presence of densely packed, semi-articulated, fragmented pterosaur bones (mainly in subparallel orientation) alongside similarly arranged fish schools suggests that this collection is a regurgitalite—a mass of indigestible material expelled from a predator’s mouth.”
Bakirib Waliza possessed a mosaic of traits found in both its South American and European relatives.
“Its distinctive anatomical features, especially the highly elongated jaws and densely packed dentition with elongated teeth, tooth crowns that are nearly quadrangular in cross-section, along with acrodont-like tooth implants in both jaws, provide new insights into the evolutionary trajectory of filter-feeding pterosaurs,” the authors noted.
“The exceptional preservation of this specimen within the regurgitalite, alongside a fully intact fish, offers scarce direct evidence of trophic interactions in the Early Cretaceous Araripe paleoecosystem.”
“This finding not only bridges a paleobiogeographic gap in Ctenochasmatinae distribution but also emphasizes the significance of understudied and long-held museum specimens in uncovering important evolutionary and paleoecological insights.”
“Evidence is accumulating that the Araripe Basin acted as a crucial window into Early Cretaceous biodiversity, ecological intricacies, and continental-scale faunal interactions.”
The research team’s paper was published in the journal on November 10, 2025, in Scientific Reports.
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RV Pegas et al. 2025. Regurgitalites reveal a new filter-feeding pterosaur of the Santana group. Scientific Reports 15, 37336; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-22983-3
Taingraqaskus Bellator inhabited the area now known as Brazil during the Triassic period around 240 million years ago.
This ancient predator measured about 2.4 m (8 ft) in length and weighed approximately 60 kg.
The back of this species featured bony plates called osteoderms, a characteristic also seen in modern crocodilians.
Utilizing their long necks and agile movements, these predators quickly captured prey with swift, precise actions, employing their slender jaws filled with sharply curved teeth to secure their catch and prevent escape.
Dr. Rodrigo Temp Muller, a paleontologist at the Federal University of Santa Maria, stated, “This creature was an active predator, but despite its considerable size, it was not the largest hunter within its ecosystem, which included giants reaching up to 7 meters (23 feet) long.”
Taingraqaskus Bellator was part of the pseudostia — ancestors of modern crocodiles and alligators.
According to Dr. Temp-Müller, “Pseudostia were a diverse group capable of tackling tough prey, along with smaller hunters adept at catching swift animals.”
“It may resemble a dinosaur, yet Taingraqaskus Bellator does not belong to that classification.”
“One of the most evident distinctions from dinosaurs lies in its pelvic structure, where the hip and femoral joints exhibit significantly different characteristics.”
“The discovery of Taingraqaskus Bellator highlights the intricate ecosystem of the time, showcasing various pseudospecies with distinct sizes and hunting methods filling specific ecological roles.”
“This find uncovers crucial phases in life’s history that predate the arrival of dinosaurs.”
A partial skeleton of Taingraqaskus Bellator was located in Dona Francisca, southern Brazil, in May 2025, with its lower jaw, spinal column, and pelvic girdle preserved.
Although the limbs were not found, experts speculate that, like its relatives, it moved on all fours.
“The discovery of Taingraqaskus Bellator provides further evidence of an ancient link between Brazil and Africa during the Triassic period, a time when the continents were fused into the supercontinent Pangea,” said Dr. Temp Muller.
“Despite the variety of pseudonesters, some lineages are extremely rare in the fossil record, leading to a limited understanding of them.”
“The fossils underwent meticulous preparation in the lab, carefully removing surrounding rock.”
“Upon revealing the anatomical details, it became apparent that the specimen represented a previously unknown species, which was incredibly exciting for us.”
“We found a species closely related to a predator, Mandasucus Tanyauchen, discovered in Tanzania.”
“This link between South American and African fauna can be contextualized within Triassic paleogeography.”
“During this period, continents were still connected, allowing life to disperse freely across regions that are now separated by oceans.”
“Consequently, the Brazilian and African faunas share numerous commonalities, reflecting intertwined evolutionary and ecological narratives.”
Taingraqaskus Bellator would have thrived in the same environment where the first dinosaurs arose, in areas adjacent to vast arid deserts.
“Our findings indicate that southern Brazil’s reptiles had already developed diverse communities adapted to various survival strategies.”
“Moreover, this discovery unveils that such diversity is not an isolated phenomenon.”
This research is detailed in the following article: paper published in Journal of Systematic Paleontology.
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Rodrigo Temp Muller and others. Osteology, taxonomy, and phylogenetic relationships of a new pseudoarchosaur from the Middle Triassic of southern Brazil. Journal of Systematic Paleontology, published online on November 12, 2025. doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2573750
A newly identified honey bee species is part of the genus Apis. Megachile is associated with endangered flowering plant species, such as Marianthus aquilonalis.
Australia is undergoing a pollination crisis, compounded by limited understanding of plant pollinators and taxonomic challenges.
Many endangered plants lack known visitors, threatening efforts to safeguard their populations.
The native bee population in Australia is also at risk due to insufficient monitoring, with numerous regions unexplored and many native species still undescribed.
A new Megachile honey bee species was identified during the survey of Marianthus aquilonarius, which is exclusive to the Bremer Ranges in Western Australia.
Dr. Kit Prendergast, a researcher from the University of Southern Queensland and Curtin University, stated: “We found this species while assessing rare plants in Goldfields and observed that the bees were visiting both endangered wildflowers and adjacent Malayan trees.”
“DNA barcoding confirmed that the male and female belonged to the same species and did not match any known bees in the DNA database, nor did the specimens I collected morphologically correspond to any in museum collections.”
“This is the first new member of this bee group reported in over 20 years, highlighting how much life remains to be discovered, especially in areas threatened by mining like the Goldfields.”
Finding new species of Megachile emphasizes the necessity of understanding Australia’s unique bee habitats before they are irrevocably altered.
“Since the new species was found in proximity to the endangered wildflower, both are likely to be affected by threats such as habitat disturbance and climate change,” Dr. Prendergast said.
“Many mining companies still neglect to survey native honey bees, risking overlooking undiscovered species, including those that are endangered and essential for ecological health.”
“If we remain unaware of the native bees we have and the plants they rely on, we jeopardize both before we even realize they exist.”
This discovery is discussed in the following article: paper published this week in the Hymenoptera Research Journal.
Scientists in Australia have discovered a new species of native bee featuring tiny, devilish horns, leading to its whimsically infernal name, Lucifer.
The species is called megachile lucifer. It was identified in 2019 during research on endangered wildflowers in Western Australia’s Goldfields, as reported in a recent study published Monday in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research.
The lead author of the study, Kit Prendergast, who is also a part-time researcher at Curtin University, explained that the female bee earned its name due to its uniquely upturned horns.
“While crafting a description for the new species, I was watching the Netflix series lucifer,” Prendergast mentioned in a statement on Tuesday. “The name felt just right.”
This species was discovered by scientists researching endangered wildflowers. Kit S. Prendergast; Joshua W. Campbell
Following DNA analysis revealed that this species does not correspond with any known bees in current databases, marking it as the first new member of its group to be described in over two decades, according to researchers.
Researchers hypothesize that the approximately 0.9-millimeter-long horns could be used for accessing flowers, competing for resources, or protecting nests, although their precise function remains uncertain. Male bees of this species lack horns.
Prendergast emphasized the significance of studying native bee species, noting that new species may be endangered due to threats such as habitat disruption and climate change.
“If we are unaware of which native bees exist and the plants they rely on, we risk losing both before realizing their importance,” she stated.
Reports indicate that Australia is home to around 2,000 native bee species, with over 300 yet to be scientifically named and described, according to CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency.
Tobias Smith, a honey bee researcher from the University of Queensland, mentioned in an email to NBC News on Tuesday that Australia’s native honey bees are “understudied and data-scarce,” resulting in insufficient knowledge about the conservation status of “nearly every species.”
Smith, who did not participate in the study, noted that Australian authorities need “stronger policies” to safeguard native bees from habitat loss, inadequate fire protection, and the heightened threat of large-scale fires.
Smith encouraged Australians to “venture out and seek out our native bees and appreciate their presence.”
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has identified three new species within the genus Nectophrynoides from Tanzania’s East Arc Mountains.
Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis seen here as an adult. Image credit: Slane et al., doi: 10.3897/vz.75.e167008.
The genus Nectophrynoides belongs to the family Nudibranchidae and currently comprises 13 recognized species that are endemic to the wet forests and grasslands of Tanzania.
Commonly referred to as tree toads, Nectophrynoides species exhibit viviparous reproduction, a feature that is quite rare among frogs.
All known species of Nectophrynoides inhabit the East Ark Mountains, with Nectophrynoides biviparus also found in the southern highlands of neighboring Tanzania.
“The three newly identified frog species are part of a rare group in the genus Nectophrynoides,” said Dr. Christian Slane and his colleagues at the University of Copenhagen.
“Instead of laying eggs that develop into tadpoles, female toads carry their young inside their bodies, giving birth to small, fully-formed toads.”
“This adaptation makes these amphibians among the few worldwide capable of internal fertilization and true live birth.”
“While it is widely recognized that frogs usually develop from tadpoles, this represents just one of many reproductive strategies within the diverse frog population,” noted Dr. Mark D. Schatz from the Natural History Museum of Denmark.
“In fact, around 8,000 frog species exhibit various reproductive modes, many of which differ significantly from the classic narrative.”
“Only a select number of frog species in South America and Southeast Asia have developed a similar reproductive strategy, rendering these toads unique in the animal kingdom.”
“Live births in frogs and toads are exceedingly rare, with less than 1% of frog species exhibiting this trait, making these new species particularly fascinating,” remarked Dr. H. Christoph Liedtke from Spain’s National Research Council.
In this study, the authors examined 257 specimens of Nectophrynoides and identified three new species: Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, Nectophrynoides hehehe, and Nectophrynoides saliensis.
“The introduction of these three new species raises the total number of known viviparous anurans globally to 20, with 16 belonging to the genus Nectophrynoides,” stated the researchers.
“The distinct reproductive and ecological characteristics displayed by these bufonids underscore the potential loss of ecological function should these species face extinction.”
“Given the risk of losing these species and their contributions to amphibian biodiversity, there is a significant need to intensify conservation efforts to safeguard them.”
“Further research is crucial to fully comprehend the behavior and ecology of these remarkable arboreal toads.”
This discovery is detailed in the following article: paper published in Vertebrate Zoology.
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C. Slane et al. 2025. Museology and integrated taxonomy reveal three new species of glandular viviparous tree toads (Nectophrynoides) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania (Anura: Bufonidae). Vertebrate Zoology 75: 459-485; doi: 10.3897/vz.75.e167008
Coffee trees can be propagated by grafting the shoots onto the rootstock of another plant
Sirichai Asawarapsakul/Getty Images
The time-honored method of grafting plants may hold contemporary relevance. This technique allows genetic modifications in species that are typically challenging or unfeasible to alter.
“Though it’s still in its formative stages, this technology shows immense promise,” says Hugo Logo from the University of Pisa, Italy.
Enhancing the yield and nutritional content of crops is vital to address the significant damages caused by farming practices and curbing skyrocketing food prices amid a rising global population and climate change’s impact on production. Utilizing CRISPR gene editing for precise enhancements is the most efficient approach.
However, plants present unique challenges due to their rigid cell walls, necessitating a cautious approach to gene editing. Traditional methods of plant genetic engineering involve techniques like biolistics, which shoot DNA-coated particles into plant cells, alongside employing naturally occurring genetically altered microorganisms like Agrobacterium.
These techniques typically require generating entire plants from modified cells, which is often impractical for various species, including trees such as cocoa, coffee, sunflower, cassava, avocado, etc.
Even if this method functions well, there lies another significant hurdle. When gene editing induces subtle mutations analogous to those that frequently occur in nature, regulatory bodies in certain regions may classify these plants as standard varieties, allowing them to proceed without the extensive and costly examinations required for conventional genetically modified crops. In contrast, biolistic and Agrobacterium-mediated methods often incorporate extra DNA into the plant’s genome, thus necessitating full regulatory scrutiny.
Researchers are exploring ways to refine plants without introducing superfluous DNA segments into the genome. One possibility involves utilizing viruses to deliver RNA carrying parts of the CRISPR toolkit to plant cells. However, a challenge arises since the Cas9 protein, widely used in gene editing, is substantial, making it difficult for most viruses to accommodate RNA that encodes it.
In 2023, Friedrich Kragler at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Germany, unveiled an innovative approach. He discovered that plant roots generate a specific type of RNA capable of moving throughout the plant and infiltrating cells in the shoots and leaves.
His team modified plants to produce RNA encoding two essential components of CRISPR: a Cas protein for editing and a guide RNA that directs the editing process. They then grafted shoots from unaltered plants onto the roots of the engineered plants, demonstrating that some of the shoots and seeds underwent gene editing.
Rogo and his team regard this technique as so promising that they published a paper advocating for its further development. “Grafting enables us to harness the CRISPR system in species like trees and sunflowers,” Rogo states.
A notable advantage of grafting is its ability to unite relatively distantly related plants. For example, a tomato bud can be grafted onto a potato root. Therefore, while genetically engineering sunflower rootstocks for gene editing might not be feasible, it is plausible to engineer closely related plants to form compatible rootstocks.
Once you develop a rootstock that produces the required RNA, it can facilitate gene editing across various plants. “We can utilize the roots to supply Cas9 and editing guides to numerous elite varieties,” asserts Julian Hibbard at Cambridge University.
“Creating genetically modified rootstocks is not overly laborious since they only need to be developed once and can serve multiple species indefinitely,” he notes. Ralph Bock, also affiliated with the Max Planck Institute but not part of Kragler’s team, adds that this efficient method has wide applications.
For instance, only a limited number of grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, can be regenerated from an individual cell, making modification feasible. However, once a gene-edited rootstock is established that offers disease resistance, it will benefit all grape varieties and potentially more.
Rogo also foresees the possibility of integrating the transplant and viral techniques, where the rhizome can deliver the large mRNA of Cas9 while the virus provides the guide RNA. This way, he claims, the same rootstock could carry out various gene edits.
A newly identified species of hermit crab-associated sea anemone, Paracalliactis, has been described by a group of marine biologists from Japan and Australia. This crab creates and maintains a distinctive shell-like structure known as a carcinodecium, which enhances the living space for its hermit crab host.
Paracalliactis. Image credit: Yoshikawa et al., doi: 10.1098/rsos.250789.
Paracalliactis is the ninth recognized species within its genus, Paracalliactis.
The genus previously included eight species, one of which was unverified; Involves Paracalliactis and one yet-to-be-described species inhabit shells occupied by hermit crabs.
Most Paracalliactis species thrive on the deep-sea floor (at depths of approximately 200 to 4,700 meters), while Paracalliactis rosea and Paracalliactis sinica are noted at varying depths from shallow to deep (50–3,000 m and shallow depths of 39–40 m, respectively).
“Our findings indicate that even simple organisms like sea anemones can exhibit unexpectedly complex behaviors,” stated the first author, Dr. Akihiro Yoshikawa, a researcher at Kumamoto University.
“The capacity of animals to construct shell-like structures offers intriguing insights into how they navigate and perceive their environment.”
The Paracalliactis hermit crabs have been found inhabiting the shells of Oncopagurus monstrosus, which resides at depths ranging from 200 to 500 meters along the Pacific coast of Mie and Shizuoka prefectures.
Unlike typical sea anemones, which lack a hard skeleton, this species secretes a carcinogen that fortifies and enlarges the crab’s shell.
The research team’s stable isotope analysis indicated that the sea anemones derive a portion of their nutrition from organic particles and crab feces, demonstrating an unusual yet effective recycling method on the deep sea floor.
Additionally, 3D imaging using micro-CT scans revealed that sea anemones attach to their shells in a consistent, unidirectional manner, potentially linked to both feeding and shell formation.
Consequently, hermit crabs gain the advantage of increased body size through this association, underscoring a true symbiotic relationship between the two species.
“Our study provides the first quantitative evidence of mutualism within the carcinogen-forming context, illustrating a remarkable case of deep-sea symbiosis and hypothesizing how mutual benefits evolve over time, fostering the development of carcinogen-forming abilities and species-specific mutualisms,” the authors concluded.
Their paper was published on October 22nd in Royal Society Open Science.
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Akihiro Yoshikawa et al.. 2025. Deep seafloor symbiosis: A new shell-forming sea anemone coexists with hermit crabs. R. Soc. Open Science 12(10):250789; doi: 10.1098/rsos.250789
It’s fair to state that the ancient human family tree has always been subject to revision. Take the Denisovans, for instance. These enigmatic ancient hominins were once primarily identified through mere bone fragments. However, in June, molecular analysis revealed that a peculiar skull from China belonged to the Denisovans, thus giving them a more defined identity.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. Anthropologist Christopher Bay, a professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, contests this finding, asserting that the skull is more likely associated with a species named Homolonghi. Bay has been foundational in ongoing discussions regarding our ancestral lineage. For over five years, he, alongside colleagues, has advocated for the recognition of two ancient human species: Homo bodoensis and Homo juruensis.
These proposals have stirred debate, especially since Bay and his team have intentionally disregarded traditional naming conventions. He argues that such rules have become outdated, failing to accommodate the removal of names that are now considered offensive or unpronounceable. In a conversation with New Scientist, he elaborated on how his personal quest for identity fueled his passion for human evolution.
Michael Marshall: What initially encouraged you to explore the study of ancient humans?
Christopher Bay: The ultimate aim of paleoanthropology is to piece together historical narratives, even when all elements are not available. This field resonates with me personally as I was adopted and spent my first year without any concrete memory. I was born in South Korea, abandoned around one year of age, spent six months in an orphanage, and was later taken in by an American family.
During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to visit Korea for the first time as an exchange student. On this trip, I visited an adoption center in my hometown, inquiring if there was any possibility of locating my birth parents. Unfortunately, I was informed that my Korean name and birth date were not legitimate, and there was virtually no chance of finding them. That was a moment of resignation for me.
Although I was intrigued by my origins, I didn’t know how to pursue them. Then, I enrolled in an introductory biological anthropology course, which allowed me to navigate my curiosity about origins—almost like constructing my own foundation.
Two species frequently debated regarding our direct ancestry are Homo heidelbergensis and Homo rhodesiensis. In 2021, you joined a team proposing the substitution of these names with a new species, H. bodoensis. Could you elaborate on this?
My colleague, Mirjana Roksandic from the University of Winnipeg and I discussed H. heidelbergensis at the 2019 Anthropology Conference. It became apparent that this species had been labelled a “trash can taxon,” becoming an easy classification for fossils that didn’t belong to Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, or Homo sapiens.
What are the implications?
If we aim to discard H. heidelbergensis, the next valid name based on priority is H. rhodesiensis. However, this name honors Northern Rhodesia—renamed Zambia—an area linked to the controversial Cecil Rhodes. Are we comfortable naming a potential ancestor of modern humans after a historical figure associated with colonialism? So, in compiling that paper, we decided to introduce a fresh name paying tribute to Bodo, a 600,000-year-old skull discovered in Ethiopia.
What response did your paper receive?
Upon peer review submission, half of the reviewers contended the argument had to be published for its significance, while the other half deemed it entirely flawed. Unsurprisingly, the paper was met with polarized reactions once it was released.
Have any workable agreements emerged from this debate?
We held a workshop in Novi Sad, Serbia in 2023, with approximately 16 to 17 paleoanthropologists participating. A consensus emerged around the notion that H. heidelbergensis is indeed an inappropriate taxonomic category. Another significant finding was that H. rhodesiensis should be excluded due to its colonial implications—remarkably, only one paleoanthropologist present believed otherwise.
The ICZN published a statement in 2023, indicating it “does not involve itself in removing names that may be ethically problematic.” This direction prompted us to challenge the ICZN. Editor’s note: The ICZN’s 2023 announcement recognized that some scientific names might be offensive but asserted it’s beyond their remit to weigh the morality of individuals honored in eponyms. Moreover, it stressed the necessity for zoologists to adhere to its ethical code while naming new species.
Are the names of species significant enough to merit conflict?
Yes and no. For instance, several beetles from Slovenian caves were named after Adolf Hitler in the 1930s by an Austrian entomologist, Oskar Scheibel. One species, Anophthalmus hitleri, has gained popularity as a collector’s item among neo-Nazis, which could lead to this innocent beetle’s extinction.
What alternatives do you propose?
I advocate working with local collaborators to choose species names that they find acceptable since they live with and experience these species regularly. Ideally, I believe we should refrain from using personal names for species, as this could lead to ongoing issues. Change is on the horizon; the ICZN is re-evaluating the inclusion of members from the Global South to provide them a stronger say. Recently, the American Ornithological Society voted to remove names with negative connotations associated with historical figures from their species designations.
Last year, you again disputed ICZN regulations concerning ancient human fossils excavated at a site, Xujiayao, in northern China. What occurred there?
In the 1970s, researchers uncovered multiple hominin fossils representing over ten individuals at the site, though they were found as separate pieces. Together with my colleagues, Wu Xiujie from the Chinese Academy of Sciences worked extensively on these fossils. Wu has virtually reconstructed part of one skull, and upon seeing this, we noted it appeared distinctly different from other hominins of a comparable age.
What differentiates these specimens?
The variations lie in size and shape; our average cranial capacity is around 1300 to 1500 cubic centimeters, whereas these fossils have cranial volumes between 1700 cm³ and 1800 cm³, significantly larger than typical humans. Shape analysis similarly indicated that the Xujiayao fossils correlated differently compared to those from a nearby site called Xuchang, leading us to propose a new species name.
Mr. Bae studies human fossils discovered in Serbia, potentially linked to Homo bodoensis
Christopher J. Bay
The name you ultimately selected has been met with criticism. Can you clarify the rationale behind it?
The origin of the species name is intriguing; in this case, we could have opted for Homo suziayaoensis, named after Xujiayao, aligning with ICZN guidelines.
In Latin, it translates to “homo“, but you found that option unsatisfactory?
The challenge lies in the fact that only fluent Chinese speakers can pronounce it, and even spelling it correctly can be an issue. Names must be both pronounceable and memorable. Thus, we came up with “julu,” which translates directly to “big head.” However, adhering to ICZN guidelines, we would need to modify the name to “Homo juui”. In our view, since non-Chinese speakers struggle to pronounce it correctly, we ultimately decided upon Homo juruensis.
How does your new species intersect with the enigmatic Denisovans, who inhabited what is now East Asia during the Stone Age?
If you compare the second molars from Denisova Cave with those from Xujiabao, they appear strikingly similar. It’s even plausible to interlink Xujiayao’s and Denisova’s molars, as the distinction is often so subtle.
This year, another research team suggested a link between the same Denisovan fossils and another ancient species, Homolonghi, which has garnered a positive reception among numerous researchers.
Most ancient hominin experts in China tend to side with our argument for H. juruensis, while many Western scholars familiar with China’s historical records also find it agreeable.
Concerning the June-discovered skull, researchers managed to extract ancient proteins associated with H. longhi that corresponded with known Denisovan fossils. What are your thoughts?
Most geneticists argue that protein analysis isn’t robust enough for accurate species identification. While it can differentiate between broader categories—like cats and dogs—its utility in distinguishing more nuanced levels is quite limited.
Replica of Denisova molars discovered in Denisova Cave in 2000
Tilo Parg CC BY-SA 3.0
Do you still consider H. longhi a legitimate species?
I personally appreciate H. longhi and the fossils associated with it. The debate revolves around which other fossils should be allocated to longhi or juruensis. It’s interesting to note that advocates for longhi are attempting to consolidate all fossils under that designation, despite the evident morphological diversity present in Chinese fossils.
Many paleoanthropologists have expressed strong criticism of your research. How do you and your colleagues respond to this?
Over time, we’ve developed resilient skin regarding our work.
Depiction of a teenage girl with a Neanderthal mother and a Denisovan father
John Bavaro Fine Art/Science Photo Library
This marks the second occasion researchers have successfully retrieved the complete genome of Denisovans, an ancient human lineage that inhabited Asia. The DNA was sourced from a tooth estimated to be 200,000 years old, discovered in a Siberian cave.
The genome indicates that there were at least three distinct groups of Denisovans, each with unique histories. It also suggests that early Denisovans intermixed with an unidentified ancient human group as well as a previously unknown Neanderthal population.
“This research is groundbreaking,” asserts David Reich from Harvard University.
“This study significantly broadened my perspective on the Denisovan ecosystem,” states Samantha Brown from the National Center for Human Evolution Research in Spain.
Denisovans were first described solely via their DNA. Finger bones retrieved from Denisova Cave in Siberia exhibited DNA distinct from both modern humans and Neanderthals found in western Eurasia. Genomic analysis indicates Denisovans mated with modern humans, with populations in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, carrying Denisovan DNA.
Since their initial discovery in 2010, researchers have found that: a small number of Denisovans also originated from East Asia. In June, a skull unearthed in Harbin, China, was confirmed as Denisovan through molecular evidence, providing the first insight into their physical appearance. However, despite DNA fragments being recovered from various specimens, only the original specimen yielded a high-quality genome.
Researchers led by Stéphane Pèregne from Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology has introduced an additional researcher. (Pèregne declined to comment as the study is pending peer review.)
In 2020, a team of researchers discovered a male Denisovan molar tooth and sequenced its entire genome from the preserved DNA.
The researchers estimated this individual lived around 205,000 years ago, judging by the number of genetic mutations and comparing them with other ancient human genomes. This timeframe aligns with findings that the deposits containing the teeth are dated between 170,000 to 200,000 years old. In contrast, the other high-quality genome belongs to Denisovans who lived between 55,000 and 75,000 years ago, revealing an earlier chapter in Denisovan history.
The researchers suggest that at least three distinct Denisovan populations likely existed, based on comparisons from various Denisovan cave sites. The oldest group comprised the individuals whose teeth were analyzed. Many millennia later, a second group supplanted this earlier population in Denisova Cave.
“Comprehending how early Denisovans were supplanted by subsequent groups underscores pivotal events in human history,” says Qiao Meifu from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in China.
A third group, absent from the cave, still interbred with modern humans as suggested by genetic testing. Thus, all Denisovan DNA present in modern humans derives from a Denisovan group about which little is known.
The new genome illuminates the fact that Denisovans mated repeatedly with Neanderthals, who resided in and around the Denisovan Cave. Notably, this genome also contained traces of Neanderthals who lived between 7,000 and 13,000 years prior to Denisovan individuals. These traces do not align with any known Neanderthal genomes, indicating that the Denisovans interbred with a Neanderthal group yet to be sequenced.
Moreover, it’s probable that Denisovans also mated with an as-yet unidentified ancient human group that evolved independently of both Denisovans and modern humans for hundreds of thousands of years. One possibility is Homo erectus, the earliest known human species to migrate out of Africa and inhabit regions as far as Java, Indonesia. However, no DNA has been retrieved to confirm this.”H. erectus, so certainty remains elusive.
“It’s endlessly fascinating to uncover these new populations,” Brown remarked.
Fossil brain box and partial skull roof Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This specimen underwent reevaluation and was reclassified, resulting in the establishment of a new genus and species of sauropod dinosaur from the Dicraeosauridae family: athena bellmani.
Holotype brain case of athena bellmani. Image credit: Whitlock et al., doi: 10.26879/1550.
The dinosaur athena bellmani inhabited what is now Utah, USA, during the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 151 to 150 million years ago.
This specimen, designated Carnegie Museum (CM) Specimen 26552, was first discovered in 1913 in the Morrison Formation at the Carnegie Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument.
So far, the specimens have been assigned to a genus of sauropod dinosaurs known as diplodocus.
Dr. John Whitlock, a researcher at Mount Aloysius College and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, commented, “The Carnegie Museum of Natural History contains some of the most significant specimens for understanding the cranial anatomy of diplodocoid sauropods.”
“One specimen, CM 26552, is frequently overlooked in favor of a more complete skull; however, it holds immense historical significance as it provided the foundation for modern descriptions of brain case anatomy in the diplodocus genus.”
“In view of new discoveries since its initial description in 1978, we are reassessing the anatomical and taxonomic relationships of this specimen.”
The new analysis indicates that CM 26552’s characteristics align more closely with another group of sauropods, the Dicraeosauridae.
“CM 26552 showcases mosaic features that distinctly separate it from other known North American dicraeosaur species,” the paleontologists noted.
“Based on this evidence, we are assigning CM 26552 to a new genus: athena, with the specific name bellmani.”
Research has also revealed that athena bellmani is closely related to dicraeosaurids like Swasea.
The researchers stated, “Considering CM 26552 as a new species of Dicraeosaurina enhances our understanding of this family’s diversity in the Morrison Formation and North America broadly, thus enriching the historically underrepresented sauropod diversity of this region.”
The findings have been published in an online journal this month: Old Trogia Electronica.
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John A. Whitlock et al. 2025. athena bellmani, a new species of dicraeosaur sauropod discovered from Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, USA. Old Trogia Electronica 28 (3): a50; doi: 10.26879/1550
Chinese paleontologists have identified a new species of Coelacanth, Whiteia anniae, based on two fossil specimens. This breakthrough expands the geographic presence of the genus Whiteia, marking the oldest record of this genus in Asia, which predates the earliest known pyloid coelacanth in this continent by 9 million years.
Whiteia anniae Right side view, holotype. Image credit: Dai et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20229-w.
“Coelacanths are a fascinating group of sarcopterygian fishes, with two extant marine species from the genus Latimeria,” stated lead author Dr. Guan Hui Shu, a paleontologist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues.
“This group first appeared in the Early Devonian, peaked in taxonomic diversity during the Early Triassic, but saw a decline starting in the Middle Cretaceous.”
“Coelacanths play a crucial role in evolutionary biology due to their distinctive physiological and anatomical characteristics, as well as their resilience through four major extinction events over hundreds of millions of years.”
The discovery of Latimeria previously ignited discussions on how this unusual lobe-finned fish relates to the evolution of terrestrial animals.
“Given their evolutionary stability, coelacanths have long been viewed as one of the most morphologically conservative vertebrate groups.”
“However, some research, particularly those focusing on Triassic fossils, indicate that coelacanth body shapes exhibit greater diversity than previously recognized.”
“Recent discoveries of new species around the globe continue to yield significant insights into the evolution of coelacanths.”
The newly identified species, Whiteia anniae, lived during the Smithian stage of the Early Triassic, approximately 249 million years ago.
This fish belongs to the genus Whiteia, an extinct group of coelacanths that were previously known from Madagascar, South Africa, Canada, and Greenland, but not from Asia.
“As the first record in Asia, this new finding from the Early Triassic dramatically broadens the geographic distribution of the genus Whiteia and is a significant addition to our understanding of the evolution of this major Triassic coelacanth lineage,” stated the paleontologists.
Two specimens of Whiteia anniae were discovered in Late Triassic marine deposits at Maoshankou in Anhui Province, China.
Fossil evidence suggests that this coelacanth measured between 41 and 46 centimeters in length, making it notably larger than other named species within its genus.
“Previously reported Whiteia species from the Early Triassic were typically small, ranging from 11.5 to 27 cm in length, and a slender body shape was once believed to be a defining characteristic of the genus,” the researchers explained.
“While there has been a recent trend of recovery, the Whiteia giganteus (estimated to exceed 100 cm in length) from Texas illustrates a period in which the genus achieved larger body sizes during the Late Triassic in North America.”
“The recovery of Whiteia anniae provides an intriguing example of a smaller species, in contrast to larger relatives in Europe, Africa, and North America.”
The team’s study was published on October 17th in the journal Scientific Reports.
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QH.Large et al. 2025. A new species of coelacanth (Actinistia, Sarcopterygii) from the Early Triassic period of Anhui Province, China. Scientific Reports 15, 36320; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20229-w
Midlers mentioned that no other Atlantic species reaches such dimensions or establishes extensive lattices.
“They are the sole species capable of creating a genuine 3D structure,” she stated.
To the north, around Miami and Broward counties, some remnants of corals exist. However, researchers believe a revival is highly improbable. Corals reproduce by emitting eggs and sperm that mingle in the water, but ocean currents hinder the movement of these reproductive cells southward, according to Canning.
While the study zooms in on Florida, the 2023 heatwave significantly affected elkhorn and staghorn corals throughout the Caribbean, as reported by external researchers.
Stacey Williams, the scientific director of ISER Caribe—a nonprofit dedicated to coral restoration—mentioned that nearly all elkhorn corals in southern Puerto Rico perished due to the extreme heat. Following that, the 2024 heat wave harmed some northern colonies that had demonstrated greater resilience. Her organization aims to “biobank coral species” by collecting living fragments.
In Florida, the 2023 heat wave jeopardized a long-term restoration effort for elkhorn and staghorn corals, including areas where coral coverage had improved after four years of focused interventions. Approximately fourfold.
The study suggests that importing heat-resistant corals from elsewhere may be the only viable option moving forward.
In the future, scientists might explore gene-editing corals to enhance their heat resistance, although this concept necessitates more research and careful examination, as noted by Midlers.
Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature approved further investigation into the potential of gene-editing tools to safeguard wildlife populations, a subject that generates significant bioethical debate.
“It’s a possibility being considered because everything is on the table,” Midlers remarked.
A new genus and species of pachycephalosaur dinosaur has been identified by paleontologists from five fossil specimens found in the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation in Montana, USA.
Reconstructing the life of Brontothorus harmony. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.
This newly identified dinosaur roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago.
Named Brontothorus harmony, this ancient herbivore measured around 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
It is classified within the Pachycephalosauridae, a family of bipedal, dome-headed dinosaurs belonging to the ornithischian clade Pachycephalosauria.
“Pachycephalosaurs are a unique ornithischian clade characterized by distinct morphological features,” stated paleontologist D. Carey Woodruff, Ph.D., from the Philip Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Museum of the Rocky Mountains, along with colleagues.
“These traits include bipedalism, heterodentary dentition, ossification of the caudal muscular septum, as well as the distinctive thickened frontoparietal dome and decorated skull.”
“Most pachycephalosaurid species are primarily known from cranial remains, making the anatomy, functional morphology, and phylogenetic significance of the frontoparietal dome particularly intriguing for paleontologists.”
“This clade is exclusively identified from Late Cretaceous Asia and western North America, with the latter showcasing a more diverse assemblage of pachycephalosaur species.”
“The oldest North American species is the Santonian variant, Acrotorus odeti, and this group evidently diversified during the middle to late Campanian period, resulting in a wealth of presently recognized species.”
A total of 5 specimens attributed to Brontothorus harmony were unearthed in the Two Medicine Formation located in Glacier County, Montana.
“This new species represents the first pachycephalosaur discovered from the Two Medicine Formation,” the paleontologists noted.
The notable dome structure of Brontothorus harmony positions it as the third largest pachycephalosaur in North America.
“Phylogenetic analyses indicate that this new species is significantly distinct from both Stegoceras and Pachycephalosaurus,” the researchers remarked.
“Thus, this species is not closely related to Stegoceras or Pachycephalosaurus.”
“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the morphology and diversity of pachycephalosaurs but also highlights that this clade included relatively large species sizes during the early Middle Campanian.”
The finding of Brontothorus harmony is detailed in a paper published on October 9, 2025, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
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D. Cary Woodruff et al. 2025. The first pachycephalosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation: Influence of the Western Interior Seaway on the evolution of North American pachycephalosaurs. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 205 (2): zlaf087; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf087
A group of ornithologists from the National University of Singapore, Bird Tours Asia Ltd., and the University of Queensland has identified a new and enigmatic species of the northern cuckoo, known as Hiero cock. Borneo is a substantial island that is divided among the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the Indonesian state of Kalimantan, and the Sultanate of Brunei.
Breeding range map of Hierokokbokki from Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, Hiero cock sp. from Borneo, and Hierococcus sparbeliodes. Image credit: Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok / Robert O. Hutchinson / James A. Eaton.
This genus was first recognized in 1845 and currently comprises nine scientifically acknowledged species.
Commonly referred to as hawk cuckoos, they reside in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
“Within the genus A. Hiero cock, the two species maintain strong pair bonds in tropical and subtropical Asia,” stated the lead author, Dr. Frank Reindt from the National University of Singapore and collaborators.
“These hawk-cuckoos inhabit forests that stretch from the Himalayas to China and Southeast Asia.”
“Hierococcus sparbelioides is a more prevalent taxon, extensively breeding across tropical, subtropical, and even temperate mountainous areas of the Asian continent, migrating southward during winter.”
“Hierokokbokki has a range typical of montane forests in Sundaland.”
“Historically, the species boundaries of Hiero cock have largely depended on variations in plumage,” the researchers mentioned.
“Nonetheless, there are only minor differences in the plumage between these two species.”
“Since the 1990s, the taxonomy of numerous tropical and subtropical bird groupings has transformed, driven by a growing understanding of the role of bioacoustic traits in defining species.”
“Species limits for many tropical and subtropical Asian bird complexes have been revisited based on bioacoustic data.”
In a fresh study, Dr. Reindt and co-authors studied the interactions between Hierococcus sparbelioides and Hierokokbokki, unearthing evidence for a newly identified species.
Utilizing an integrated approach that included bioacoustic, plumage, and morphometric data, they analyzed 107 audio recordings of the two species sourced from an online audio library.
They also evaluated differences in plumage and morphometric features by using various museum specimens.
Their findings indicated a previously unnamed population of Hierokokbokki that resides on Borneo, distinguishable primarily by its unique three-syllable main call.
Considering the significant role of vocalizations in cuckoo classification, this population was formally described as a new species: Hierococcyx tiganada.
“The new species from Borneo closely resembles its sibling species, Hierokokbokki, native to Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia,” the researchers noted.
“Though visually alike, adults of the new species exhibit a slightly grayer mantle, particularly on the upper mantle near the crown, leading to a more subtle contrast between the gray crown and the brownish back relative to Hierokokbokki.”
“The most distinguishing characteristic of these two species lies in the structure of their vocalizations: the new species consistently produces a three-syllable call, while Hierokokbokki produces a two-syllable call.”
“The differences between the new species and Hierococcus sparbelioides reflect the same features that set it apart from Hierokokbokki,” they elaborated.
“Hierococcus sparbelioides also has two-syllable vocalizations.”
“Adult Hierococcus sparbelioides are generally larger, with less dark gray shading near the eyes, a more brownish mantle that contrasts less with the crown, and a pronounced dark red stripe visible against the whitish background of the upper thorax (contrastingly, the new species exhibits a solid red-purple color without stripes).
According to the scientists, Hierococcyx tiganada inhabits mountainous rainforests above 1,000 meters elevation.
“Despite the troubling conservation status of many Southeast Asian avian species reliant on rainforest habitats, the researchers concluded that Hierococcyx tiganada is likely not threatened.”
“Borneo’s lowland rainforests have experienced substantial degradation over the last three decades; however, many montane forests in central Borneo have endured as they remain remote and inaccessible to logging and other extractive practices.”
“Hierococcyx tiganada is relatively well-documented with three known locations in Sabah and an additional site in Sarawak.”
“Records from Kalimantan are notably sparse, and the species does not seem to inhabit the Meratus Mountains of South Kalimantan.”
“Nonetheless, this species likely exists widely across extensive mountainous regions of northern Borneo, often near the borders of Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Sabah; the scarcity of records may indicate insufficient observational coverage beyond established birdwatching locales.”
Hierococcyx tiganada is the first Hiero cock species described in the 20th/21st century.
“This discovery underscores the profound significance of bioacoustic research in biodiversity exploration and further amplifies Borneo’s biogeographical significance,” the authors concluded.
Paleontologists have discovered a new collection of Triassic fossils at the Quebrada Santo Domingo site in the northern Pre-Cordillera Basin of northwestern Argentina. Among their findings are nearly complete skeletons of a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur species, along with several cynodonts, rhinocosaurs, and aetosaurs.
The newly identified species existed in what is now Argentina during the Carnian period of the late Triassic, approximately 230 million years ago.
Known as Huayracursor jaguensis, this dinosaur was an early and primitive member of the clade sauropodomorpha.
The ancient creature featured a relatively long neck and was larger than many of its contemporaries.
“The Carnian period (237 to 227 million years ago) is significant in the evolution of tetrapods, holding the earliest records of several major clades, including dinosaurs,” stated paleontologist Dr. Martin Hechenleitner of the La Rioja Regional Research Center and CONICET, along with colleagues.
“Following the Carnian pluvial period, dinosaurs faced unprecedented radiation levels and quickly established dominance for the remainder of the Mesozoic era.”
“Most of the earliest records originate from a few well-researched regions in South America, specifically the Izquiguarasto-Villa Union Basin in western Argentina and the Paraná Basin in southern Brazil.”
“These locales have produced a variety of early dinosaurs, encompassing ornithischians, herrerasaurs, theropods, and sauropods.”
“While sauropods are the most taxonomically diverse, the majority (with a few fragmentary exceptions) were small, bipedal, and short-necked.”
“Despite the advances in our understanding of the quadrupedal fauna from the Carnian, no dinosaur-containing groups have arisen outside of traditional classifications.”
Selected bone of the Huayracursor jaguensis holotype. Image credit: Hechenleitner et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09634-3.
Dr. Hechenleitner and his co-authors uncovered fossilized remains of Huayracursor jaguensis and other Triassic animals in the Santo Domingo formation at Quebrada Santo Domingo, a remote region of the Andes Mountains in La Rioja, northwestern Argentina.
“This newly discovered fauna is the first from the newly characterized northern Pre-Cordillera Basin,” the paleontologists remarked.
“Current findings encompass ceratopsians of the hyperodapedontid family, cynodonts from the traversodontid and probynognathic families, a eurysaurian, and at least two sauropod dinosaurs, indicating a Carnian age.”
“Among the sauropods, Huayracursor jaguensis provides the earliest evidence of concurrent weight gain and neck elongation in sauropods, suggesting that these crucial traits emerged at the dawn of dinosaurs.”
“This discovery enhances our understanding of the diversity and geographic distribution of early dinosaur faunas and illuminates the evolution of sauropods during the Carnian period.”
The findings regarding Huayracursor jaguensis are detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature.
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EM Hechenleitner et al. A newly discovered long-necked early dinosaur from the Upper Triassic basin of the Andes. Nature, published online October 15, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09634-3
New genus and species of theropod dinosaur named Antebi Sukuri Longs has been reported by a team of researchers from the National University of San Juan, the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences, the University of Birmingham, CONICET, and CIGEOBIO.
Reconstruction of Antebi Sukuri Longs. Image credit: Jorge Blanco.
Antebi Sukuri Longs inhabited the Earth during the Carnian period of the late Triassic, approximately 231 to 226 million years ago.
This dinosaur measured about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length and weighed around 8 to 9 kilograms.
The species represents an early-diverging theropod outside the Neoheteropod group, with functional traits previously believed to be exclusive to that classification surprisingly derived.
“This is among the oldest and most primitive dinosaurs yet discovered,” stated Dr. Ricardo Martinez from San Juan National University and his team.
“The early diversification of dinosaurs triggered significant ecological transformations in terrestrial ecosystems, culminating in the dominance of dinosaurs in tetrapod populations by the Triassic-Jurassic boundary 201 million years ago.”
“Therefore, investigating the early diversification of dinosaurs is crucial for understanding the formation of Mesozoic populations.”
“Nonetheless, the absence of stratigraphically continuous fossil data in different geological formations, where the oldest known dinosaurs (dating from 233 to 227 million years ago) are found, has hindered our comprehension of this early diversification.”
Paleontologists uncovered fossilized remains of Antebi Sukuri Longs—including a partial skeleton and skull—discovered in 2014 within the Izquiguarasto formation in northwestern Argentina.
“Few locations in the world offer such ancient and well-preserved fossils,” Martinez remarked.
“One notable site is the Santa María Formation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and the other is the Izquiguarasto Formation.”
Antebi Sukuri Longs thrived around 2 million years after Earth’s formation in a warm, arid savannah, experiencing episodes from the Carnian rainy season.
“We demonstrate that dinosaur diversity and abundance in the Iskigualast Formation were greater than previously acknowledged, particularly among smaller herbivores (under 30 kg) and medium-sized predators (30 kg to 200 kg),” the researchers stated.
“This diversification took place in Iskigualast during a transition to semi-arid conditions, but a return to wetter conditions created a gap in the dinosaur record beginning around 229 million years ago.”
“Only 15 million years later, during the mid-Norian period, the abundance and diversity of dinosaurs in the basin rebounded, this time characterized by larger-bodied species.”
“Our findings suggest that early dinosaur diversification was interrupted by climate-induced faunal replacement, at least in southwestern Pangea.”
A paper detailing this discovery was published in this week’s edition of Nature Ecology and Evolution.
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RN Martinez et al. Carnian theropods with unexpectedly derived features during the initial radiation of dinosaurs. Nat Ecol Evol published online October 14, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41559-025-02868-4
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.”
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
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.”
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.
A splendid fairy (left) attempts to evade the cuckoo
David Ongley
More than 20 bird species globally utilize similar “whining” alarm calls to alert others about the presence of cuckoos. These calls seem to resonate across species, shedding light on their evolutionary significance.
Cuckoos are among the numerous 100 species recognized as brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds and relying on them to raise their young as if they were their own.
Will Feeney and his team at biological stations in Spain and Doñana identified 21 species that last shared a common ancestor around 53 million years ago. These species exhibit structurally similar “whimper” calls when they detect a breeding parasite.
Examples include the splendid fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) in Australia, the yellow-brown prinia (Prinia subflava) in Africa, Hume’s leaf warbler (Phylloscopus humei) in Asia, and the green warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides) in Europe.
“It seems these diverse bird species worldwide have converged on the same vocalization to alert against their respective brood parasites,” observes Feeney.
Researchers often observe that species producing this alarm call tend to inhabit areas rich in brood parasites, which exploit various host species. When a potential host detects the whining, they often resort to aggressive defense behaviors.
“Brood parasites present a unique threat. They pose significant risks to offspring while largely being non-threatening to adult birds,” says Feeney. “Our findings suggest that [the call] plays a crucial role in promptly alerting fellow birds and potentially securing their protection.”
“In the case of the splendid fairy-wren, they are cooperative breeders, which likely means that the mobbing call is intended to attract additional individuals for support,” explains Rose Thorogood from the University of Helsinki, Finland.
To deepen their investigation, Feeney and colleagues recorded calls from brood-parasite hosts across continents and played them to potential host birds in Australia and China. They discovered that hearing foreign alarm calls prompted just as quick a response as calls from their own species.
“This indicates that the function of this vocalization is geared towards fostering interspecies communication rather than merely internal signaling,” highlights Feeney.
Thorogood cautions: “The ancestral alarm calls shared by our forebears may not have solely targeted brood parasites. Instead, they likely feature specific acoustic properties that are effective in repelling these threats.”
The research team also conducted similar experiments with yellow warblers (Setophaga petechia) in North America, which serve as egg hosts for brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) yet do not produce the distinctive whining alarm call. When exposed to the splendid fairy-wren’s alarm, warblers responded promptly by returning to their nests, demonstrating distress through various calls in addition to mobbing.
Feeney suggests that numerous bird species respond to innate components in alarm calls, while local birds in areas where brood parasites are prevalent adapt their calls and responses to convey information about local dangers.
“These birds have adapted distress calls for new contexts related to offspring threats,” he explains. “This provides insights into why birds across the globe utilize similar sounds.”
Charles Darwin proposed in his 1871 work, The Descent of Man, that spoken language’s origins could be traced back to imitation and adaptation of instinctual sounds made by humans and other animals. These instances may not only involve cries of fear but can also reflect pain. “A bird adapting these instinctual calls for different purposes might represent a foundational step towards language,” concludes Feeney.
Rob Magrath of the Australian National University notes, “Calls often convey specific meanings, sometimes referring to external objects or incidents, rather than merely indicating internal states like fear or traits such as gender or species.”
“This referential quality suggests that such vocalizations bear resemblance to human language, frequently referencing the external world,” he adds. “Thus, animal communication and human language may exist on a continuum rather than being distinct attributes of humans.”
Breugnathair elgolensis – This species, part of the Hook-tooth group, thrived in the central Jurassic period around 167 million years ago, displaying a unique blend of anatomical features not usually observed in its raw group. Its head-to-body proportions, along with dental and jaw characteristics, reveal serpent-like traits, with the original extermination group linked to Jeccos.
Reconstruction of the life of Breugnathair elgolensis. Image credit: Brennan Stokkermans/National Museums Scotland.
Breugnathair elgolensis is recognized as one of the earliest relatively complete fossil lizards yet discovered.
These ancient reptiles possessed serpent-like jaws and curved teeth reminiscent of modern pythons, all while exhibiting short bodies akin to well-formed lizards.
With a length of approximately 41 cm (16 inches) from head to tail, it ranks among the largest lizards in its ecosystem and may have preyed on smaller lizards, juvenile dinosaurs, early mammals, and various vertebrates.
Dr. Roger Benson, a curator in the Department of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History, remarked:
“Breugnathair elgolensis features snake-like traits in its teeth and jaw, yet in many aspects, it appears surprisingly primitive.”
“This suggests that the evolutionary predecessors of snakes might have been vastly different than we anticipated. Alternatively, it may indicate that predatory behaviors similar to those of snakes developed independently in archaic, extinct groups.”
Paleontologists place Breugnathair elgolensis within a new family of reptiles (encompassing lizards and snakes) named Parviraptoridae, a group that may hold significant implications for snake origins.
“Previous studies had identified bones with snake-like teeth found alongside those exhibiting gecko-like traits,” they noted.
“However, their striking differences led some researchers to believe they belonged to two distinct species.”
“Our research on Breugnathair elgolensis challenges these earlier conclusions, demonstrating that both snake-like and gecko-like characteristics can coexist within a single species.”
The fossil remains of Breugnathair elgolensis were unearthed in 2016 by Stig Walsh of Scotland’s National Museum on the Isle of Skye.
“The Jurassic fossil sediments on the Isle of Skye are vital for understanding the early evolution of numerous living groups, including lizards, which started to diversify during this period.”
“I initially described Parviraptorids around three decades ago based on much more fragmented specimens, making this feel like discovering the top of a jigsaw puzzle years after being stumped by the original picture with a handful of pieces.”
“The array of primitive and advanced features indicated in this new specimen reinforces the notion that evolutionary pathways can be unpredictable.”
A paper discussing the discoveries related to Breugnathair elgolensis was published today in the journal Nature.
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RBJ Benson et al. Mosaic anatomy in early fossil reptiles. Nature Published online on October 1, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09566-y
Researchers have discovered a new species within the marsupial genus Marmosa from a single specimen found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the San Martin region of Peru.
Marmosa Chachapoya. Image credit: Pedro Peloso.
Marmosa is a relatively small genus of neotropical mammals belonging to the family Didelphidae.
It represents one of three genera commonly referred to as mouse opossums, with the others being Tamarins and Tracuatine.
Marmosa Professor Sylvia Pavan from California Polytechnic University and her team stated:
“In addition to the naming of this species Marmosa, phylogenetic analysis has recently identified two potential new species from northern Peru. One has been classified under the subgenus Stegomarmosa, while the other is situated among the species of the subgenus Mikureus.
The new Marmosa species was found at altitudes where no other species of this genus had previously been recorded.
Designated as Marmosa Chachapoya, these animals exhibit reddish-brown fur and distinct mask-like facial markings.
They have a combined body and tail length of up to 25 cm (10 inches), with the body measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches).
Researchers note that Marmosa Chachapoya is closely related to two species in the subgenus Stegomarmosa: Marmosa Repida and Marmosa Undersoni.
“I quickly realized this was an extraordinary find,” said Professor Pavan.
“Currently, we know very little about this species, as only a single specimen has been collected.”
To verify its classification as a new species, scientists analyzed its DNA and physical characteristics, concentrating on notable features such as the elongated nose and slender body.
“Marmosa Chachapoya is not the only new species discovered during our expedition,” Professor Pavan remarked.
“We have collected several other specimens, including new semi-aquatic rodents that have yet to be officially described.”
“These discoveries are crucial for biodiversity and conservation efforts, underscoring the ongoing mysteries of biodiversity in this region.”
“The results suggest that there are additional undiscovered species, many of which may be at risk without proper protection.”
“It emphasizes the significant role of scientific exploration and conservation in areas like the Rio Abysseo.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Novitate at the American Museum on June 19, 2025.
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Sylvia E. Pavan et al. 2025. New species of Marmosa (Mammals, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Peru’s Parque Nacional del Rio Abysseo. Novitate at the American Museum 4037
The newly identified species, scientifically named Garga Draco Zephilius, marks a significant similarity between species from the Hayeg Basin in Romania and the well-known Brazilian Azdaltid pterosaur.
Reconstruction of the life of Garga Draco Zephilius in the late Maastrichtian environment, highlighting the nostalgia of the Serada Gargaziosite. Image credit: Matheus Gadelha.
Garga Draco Zephilius thrived in what is now Brazil approximately 70-67 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.
These flying reptiles belong to the Azdaltid family, renowned for hosting some of the largest flying creatures known to date.
“The Azdalcidae family represents the most diverse and widespread clade of pterosaurs during the Turonian Maastrichtian interval (94-67 million years ago),” they noted.
“This context underscores the anticipation surrounding the discovery of Azdaltid in the fossil-rich Baul group of Brazil.”
“Prior to our research, it was widely believed that no pterosaurs existed within the Baul group, despite its extensive tetrapod fauna richness and diversity.”
“Moreover, the discovery of Garga Draco Zephilius bridges a significant temporal gap in the regional pterosaur records, tracing its lineage back to the Lower Cretaceous Kaia group.”
Paleontologists found fragmentary jaws of Garga Draco Zephilius within the Serada Garga layer.
“The specimen originated from the Serada Gargaziosite in Serada Garga (Garga Hill), located 25 km north of Uberaba County,” they reported.
“This site is home to regions typical of the sauropod Titanosaur uberabatitan ribeiroi and is also recognized as the BR-050 site.”
Garga Draco Zephilius was a medium to large pterosaur with a wingspan ranging from 4-5 m (13-16 feet).
This species signifies the first Brazilian azdaltide and shows notable similarities to Albadraco Tharmisensis from Romania.
“Despite being fragmentary, the specimen exhibits distinct morphological characteristics that set it apart from other azdaltids,” the researchers concluded.
“It showcases a unique set of traits that allow it to be categorized as a relative of the European azhdarchids, particularly Albadraco Tharmisensis, which include features like the V-shaped cross-section, low/rounded tomial edges, symmetrically paired rows of occlusal holes, and a high-hole index.”
“The phylogenetic analysis provides support for the relationship between this new form and its sister taxon, Albadraco Tharmisensis.
“Ultimately, the discovery of these rare small specimens with potential hatching remains holds significant importance.”
The findings are detailed in a study published this month in Paleontology Papers.
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Ariovaldo A. Giaretta et al. 2025. The first pterosaur from the Baul group: Azdalcid from the upper Cretaceous period of Brazil. Paleontology Papers 11(5): E70039; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70039
Paleontologists have identified a new species, Eurhinosaurus—a genus of Longirostrin Ikchosaurus from Europe, notable for its remarkable overbite found in Bavaria, southern Germany.
“Iktiosauria is a varied group of reptiles excellently adapted to marine environments, thriving from the early Triassic to the early Cretaceous,” stated Dr. Gael Spicher, a researcher at the Jurassica Museum, Fribourg University, and Reinish Friedrich Willells-un Universetita Bonn and Kokog.
“Fishes show morphological traits like fin-modified limbs, elongated snouts, deep bisexual spines, and developed caudal fins, confirming their complete adaptation to aquatic life.”
“Uoshima had a widespread distribution during its existence.”
“Particularly, southern Germany is renowned for its rich fossil record of Uoshima from the Lower Jurassic, specifically the Posidonianscifer formation, which has yielded thousands of specimens.”
“In these Lower Jurassic ichthyosaurs, Eurhinosaurus is a relatively scarce creature,” they noted.
“Its paleogeographical range is confined to modern-day Europe, with fossil records from Germany, the UK, France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.”
“This genus is distinguished by its unique, elongated, slender snout with pronounced overbites, resulting from significantly shorter mandibles compared to the upper jaw (over 60%).”
The newly identified species Eurhinosaurus exhibits a typical maxillary extension characteristic of its genus.
It has been named Eurhinosaurus Mistelgauensis, which existed during the Jurassic period approximately 180 million years ago.
Three specimens of the new species were unearthed at the Mistelgau Clay Pit, part of the Jurensismismergel Formation in southwestern Bailos in northern Bavaria, Germany.
“The fossil includes two nearly complete skeletons and a partial snout, preserved in three dimensions in a semi-articulated state, showcasing elements from multiple angles,” explained the paleontologist.
“Their preservation is exceptional, displaying bones in three dimensions, which is a remarkable find and highlights the significance of documenting such specimens.”
According to the author, these specimens belong to the Eurhinosaurus genus.
“The well-preserved fossils from Mistelgau offer invaluable insights into Eurhinosaurus and significantly enhance our understanding of this historically important Uoshima,” they concluded.
Survey results were published this week in the journal Fossil Record.
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Ge Spicher et al. 2025. New Eurhinosaurus (Ichthyosauria) species from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) in Mistelgau (Bavaria, southern Germany). Fossil Record 28(2): 249-291; doi: 10.3897/fr.28.154203
Hybridization among these species is notable within vertebrate groups. Such occurrences typically take place between recently diverged populations, with the most recent common ancestors of the Blue (Cyanocitta cristata) and Green (Cyanocorax yncas) Jays estimated to have existed at least 7 million years ago.
A hybrid of a man with a green Jay’s mother and a blue Jay’s father. Image credit: Brian R. Stokes.
“We’ve been working hard to engage with the community,” stated Brian Stokes, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin.
“While historical instances of vertebrate hybrids have often been linked to human influences—like the introduction of invasive species and recent range expansions—this particular case seems to have emerged due to climate shifts prompting the overlap of both parent species.”
During the 1950s, Green Jays, a tropical bird native to Central America, were limited to areas from Mexico to southern Texas, while Blue Jays, a temperate species found in the eastern U.S., extended westward to Houston, with minimal interaction between them.
However, their ranges have since converged around San Antonio as Green Jays migrated north and Blue Jays spread westward.
Stokes, who is focused on researching Green Jays in Texas as part of his PhD, actively monitors various social media platforms where birdwatchers share photos of sightings. This was one of several methods he utilized to capture birds, take genetic blood samples, and then release them back into their natural habitats.
One day, he spotted a rough image of an unusual blue bird featuring a black mask and white chest shared by a woman in the suburbs northeast of San Antonio. Although resembling a Blue Jay, it was distinctly different. The backyard birder welcomed Stokes for an in-person sighting.
“On our first attempt to capture it, the bird was quite elusive,” Stokes recounted.
“But the second day proved to be much more fortunate.”
Using a mist net—a long rectangular mesh of black nylon thread stretched between two poles, almost invisible to birds in flight—Stokes was able to successfully catch the bird on the second day after previously capturing and releasing dozens of others.
He quickly took a blood sample from this peculiar bird, allowing him to facilitate future research.
Interestingly, the bird vanished for several years, reappearing in the woman’s garden in June 2025. The reason for its return remains a mystery.
“I can’t explain it, but it felt like pure chance,” Stokes commented.
“Had it been two houses down, it likely wouldn’t have been reported at all.”
Investigations revealed that the bird is a hybrid descendant of a male Green Jay and a female Blue Jay.
It closely resembles other hybrids produced through researcher crossbreeding of Green and Blue Jays in the 1970s.
“Hybridization is likely far more prevalent in nature than researchers recognize, as we often miss these events happening,” Stokes expressed.
“Furthermore, in many species, physical barriers may prevent interactions that could lead to mating because we’re not actively observing.”
The team’s publication appears in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
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Brian R. Stokes and Timothy H. Keat. 2025. Intergenerational hybrids between historically isolated temperate and tropical Jays after recent expansion of the scope. Ecology and Evolution 15(9): E72148; doi: 10.1002/ECE3.72148
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of extinct crocodile-like creature from fossilized remains found in southwest Montana, USA.
Impressions of the artist Thikarisuchus Xenodentes. Image credits: Dane Johnson/Rockies Museum.
The newly identified species existed at the edge of the ancient western inland sea around 95 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.
It has been named Thikarisuchus Xenodentes, a type of neostian.
“Measurements indicate it was less than 60 cm (2 feet) from nose to tail tip,” stated David Barilisio, a professor at Montana State University. “If it had grown fully, it could have reached about 90 cm (3 feet) or more, but still much smaller than most members of the Neosuchia clade to which it belongs.”
“This clade includes modern crocodiles and their closest extinct relatives, most of which are semi-aquatic or marine carnivorous animals with simple cone-shaped teeth.”
In contrast, Thikarisuchus Xenodentes likely lived on land and possibly fed on plants, insects, and small animals, possessing a variety of tooth shapes.
“Its unique anatomy indicates it is part of a newly identified family of crocodile-like creatures endemic to the Cretaceous in North America.”
The fossilized remains of Thikarisuchus Xenodentes—including its limbs, vertebrae, jaw, and a skull measuring 50 mm—were discovered in the US Forest Service Black Reef Formation near Dillon, Montana, in the summer of 2021.
“We previously found dinosaurs in the Black Reef Formation, making this the second known vertebrate species discovered in this layer,” remarked Harrison Allen, a doctoral student at Stony Brook University.
Paleontologists found the bones of Thikarisuchus Xenodentes in a densely packed arrangement consistent with the fossils of other living creatures found in the dens of the Black Reef Formation and nearby Wayan Formation in Idaho.
“This supports the idea that Thikarisuchus Xenodentes was preserved in dens and that fossils from these layers are biased toward those found in such environments,” they noted.
The specimen also suggested connections to a newly established family group, wannchampsidae, and a related group identified in Eurasia, known as the Atopasauriaceae.
Both families were small, globally adaptive, and exhibited specific skull and dental characteristics shared with more distantly related groups from the Cretaceous period in Africa and South America.
“We propose that shared environmental conditions and prey availability led to convergent evolution between these two distantly related groups during the same timeframe.
“The vast majority of alligatorid diversity belongs to the past, including fully marine crocodiles, entirely terrestrial crocodiles, herbivorous, omnivorous species, and those with unique shells.”
“This discovery surprised me and motivated my interest in this specific field of paleontology.”
A paper detailing the findings is published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Harrison Allen et al. 2025. The impact of newly discovered small heterodonneostians and heterodonneostians in southwestern Montana’s Black Leaf Formation on paleoecology. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology in press; doi: 10.1080/02724634.025.2542185
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