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
A recently identified member of the Megaraptran dinosaur family has been unveiled by a collaborative effort of Argentine and US paleontologists.
Joaquinraptor Casali. Image credit: Andrew McCuffy, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
This newly discovered dinosaur species inhabited Patagonia, Argentina, during the later stages of the Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 67 million years ago.
Dubbed Joaquinraptor Casali, these ancient predators were the apex carnivores in the region.
It is a member of the Megaraputra, a lineage of large, clawed carnivorous theropod dinosaurs recognized from Cretaceous deposits across Asia, Australia, and especially South America.
“Megaraptrands were carnivorous theropods characterized by elongated skulls, large claws, and robust forelimbs found in Asia, Australia, and South America,” stated Dr. Lucio Ibilik, a paleontologist at Patagonico de Geología y Paleontología.
“Nevertheless, our comprehension of this group is limited due to the scarcity of complete fossils.”
A well-preserved, partially articulated skeleton of a single Joaquinraptor Casali specimen was uncovered in the Lago Corfue Huapi Formation, situated in the South Central Chubut province of central Patagonia, Argentina.
The specimen comprised numerous dinosaur skulls, anterior limbs, hind legs, ribs, and vertebrae.
Based on the microstructure of the bones, paleontologists propose that the specimen is an adult, albeit possibly not fully matured.
Drawing from other megaraptran remains, they estimate that Joaquinraptor Casali measured about 7 meters in length and weighed over 1,000 kg.
Evidence from sediment suggests this dinosaur thrived in a warm, humid floodplain environment.
“The discovery of bones within the fossilized remains of a crocodilian’s leg pressed against the lower jaw of Joaquinraptor Casali provides insights into its feeding habits, suggesting it may have been a primary predator in its habitat,” the researchers noted.
“However, additional studies are necessary to enhance our understanding of its behavior and ecological role.”
According to scientists, Joaquinraptor Casali and other factions of Megaraputra remained dominant predators in this area of South America, ultimately facing extinction alongside other non-avian dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.
“It seems that South American megaraptolids achieved larger body sizes (over 7 m in length) than their generally smaller counterparts in Australia (5-6 m),” they added.
“The Patagonian Megaraputrids may have continued to grow throughout their evolutionary history, possibly influenced by the extinction of Carcharodontosaurus during the late Cretaceous.”
“Furthermore, this could have permitted Megaraptorids to fill a niche as apex predators within their ecosystems.”
“Moreover, as suggested by the stratigraphy of the Maastrichtian (likely late Maastrichtian), Joaquinraptor Casali may have survived until the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, perishing alongside all other non-avian dinosaurs.”
The discovery of Joaquinraptor Casali has been detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications.
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lm ibiricu et al. 2025. The latest Cretaceous Megaraptolid Cellopod dinosaurs shed light on the evolution and paleontology of megaraptrans. Nut commune 16, 8298; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-63793-5
Reconstruction of the artist’s dinosaur Joaquinraptor Casali
Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
During the Cretaceous period, South America was a site of significant dinosaur discoveries.
Named the dinosaur species Joaquinraptor Casali, this megaraptor was uncovered in 2019 along the banks of the Liochico River in Patagonia, Argentina. It is believed to have existed just before the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Recently, Lucio Ibiricu from the National Council on Science and Technology Research in Tubat, Argentina, and his team conducted an in-depth analysis of the fossil, revealing unexpected findings in the nearly complete skull.
“A relative humerus, likely belonging to an extinct crocodile, was found between the jaws of Joaquinraptor and was in direct contact with its teeth,” states Ibiricu. “This indicates a unique ecological interaction at the time of death.”
Further investigations of the crocodilian humerus are ongoing to ascertain its size, but initial assessments suggest it is considerable, according to Ibiricu.
In addition to the recovered skull, the excavation yielded vertebrae, feet, two claws, arms, legs, and hands. Notably, the thumb claw—approximately the size of a human forearm—could have been effective for tearing the flesh of its prey, according to Ibiricu.
Fossils of other megaraptors have been discovered across Asia, Australia, and South America. Joaquinraptor was first identified close to the Cretaceous period’s end, and it is among the more complete specimens found.
The thumb claw of the dinosaur
Matt Lamanna
The scientific team concluded that the dinosaur was at least 19 years old at the time of its demise, based on the microstructure of the tibia. It measured approximately 7 meters in length and weighed a minimum of 1 tonne.
Meanwhile, Tyrannosaurus Rex was considerably larger and boasted a massive head, as noted by Ibiricu. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that both species represented apex predators within their respective environments.
Dinosaur Hunting in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Experience an exciting and unique expedition that explores the renowned sites of dinosaurs in the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, a premier paleontological hotspot.
A collaborative team of paleontologists from Portugal, Italy, the United States, and Belgium has enriched their paleontological records with the identification of a new herbivorous dinosaur species: Cariocecus bocagei.
Cariocecus bocagei. Image credit: Victor Feijó de Carvalho.
Cariocecus bocagei inhabited what is now known as Portugal during the Valemia period of the Cretaceous, approximately 125 million years ago.
This newly identified species belonged to the medium-sized Iguanodon group, which includes robust herbivorous dinosaurs with intricate teeth structures.
“The Iguanodon faction plays a significant role in the herbivorous dinosaur fauna across various ecosystems of the Cretaceous period,” stated Dr. Filippo Bertozzo, a paleontologist at the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences and ci2paleo (Centro de Perebierosia de Nature Ecology, Paleontology of Rehabilitation Therapy).
“At the conclusion of the Jurassic, the Iguanodon factions exhibited limited diversity and body size, with the largest being Camptosaurus.
“These dinosaurs were primarily restricted to the central part of the northern landmass of the Jurassic, which now includes modern-day Wyoming, Tanzania, and Portugal.”
“By the mid-Cretaceous, these clades had achieved a worldwide distribution,” they further commented.
“The selective pressures and environmental factors that drove this diversification during the Jurassic to Cretaceous transition remain poorly understood, largely due to the scarcity of iguanodontian fossils in various regions, such as South Africa.
“The Iguanodon faction was among the first dinosaurs to be discovered and researched, with ongoing studies aimed at exploring the anatomical features and their functions,” they remarked.
“Nonetheless, various aspects of the skull, from the function of the supraorbital bone to paleoneurology and sensory systems, continue to be elusive.”
Digital reconstruction of the skull of Cariocecus bocagei. Image credit: Bertozzo et al., doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2536347.
The partial skull of Cariocecus bocagei was uncovered in 2016 along the cliffs of West Portugal from the Paposeco Formation.
This specimen, measuring approximately 37 cm long, is the first Iguanodontian skull recorded in the country.
“The specimen was excavated from the Seco Formation of Papo along the southern coast of the Setubal Peninsula, roughly 200 meters north of Praia de Areia do Mastro,” noted the paleontologist.
“A comprehensive sequence analysis indicates that the early Cretaceous layers found along this coastline were deposited during the fourth and final uplift episodes related to the formation of the Lusitania Basin.”
Upon examining the fossils, researchers identified anatomical characteristics not observed in other Iguanodon species.
“The upper jaw and Jugal bones are flawlessly fused. I have never encountered this in any other iguanodon,” Dr. Bertozzo expressed.
“This isn’t a random anomaly; it’s a genuinely unique feature, confirming it as a new species.”
MicroCT scans enabled scientists to explore the cranial nerves and inner ear with remarkable detail.
“A skull discovery is always significant. It reveals much more than isolated bones,” Dr. Bertozzo commented.
“In this instance, you can observe the impressions of the brain and nerves and even reconstruct parts of the inner ear.”
“The structure of the balance organs and auditory nerves offers insights into how this animal lived and oriented itself.”
“Another notable feature is the unusually low ‘brow’ bones, lower than those of other known Iguanodon factions.”
“This likely supported a heavy brow ridge akin to that of modern eagles.”
“Such structures may have implications for functionality or visibility.”
“The teeth of Cariocecus bocagei also provided remarkable insights,” he added.
“MicroCT scans uncovered not only visible teeth but also replacement teeth embedded within the jaw, designed to replace those that have worn down.”
“This tooth replacement mechanism is characteristic of iguanodons but is rarely observed in earlier species.”
The research team speculates that Cariocecus bocagei may have possessed a stronger bite relative to its kin.
“The discovery of Cariocecus bocagei enhances our understanding of the ecological dynamics within the Lusitania Basin’s early Cretaceous environment, indicating the presence of multiple Iguanodon species, reflecting trends seen in other symbiotic habitats in the UK, Belgium, Spain, and Central Africa,” the authors stated.
“The Valemian diversity in Iguanodon taxa resulted from island endemic events that emerged following the dispersal of dry morphs in North America during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.”
“In conclusion, the discovery of Cariocecus bocagei emphasizes the significance of the Balemian Psien of Hauteribia in the diversification and speciation of Iguanodonians, ultimately leading to the evolution of the more advanced Hadrosaurus in the Turonian period.”
Survey results were published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.
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Filippo Bertozzo et al. 2025. Cariocecus bocagei, a new basal hadrosauroid from the Lower Cretaceous period of Portugal. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 23(1); doi:10.1080/14772019.2025.2536347
Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of pachycephalosaur in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. These fossils are the most complete and geologically oldest Pachycephalosaurus specimens discovered worldwide.
A young zavacephale rinpoche engaged in a territorial duel along the shores of a lake 108 million years ago. Image credit: Masaya Hattori.
“The Pakisepalosaurus, akin to the dome-headed dinosaurs, is one of the most intriguing dinosaurs,” states Dr. Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, a researcher affiliated with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Paleontology at North Carolina State University.
“It is thought that members of this group, characterized by their enlarged skull roofs and intricate skull features, developed a complex social structure.”
“Despite their crucial role in comprehending dinosaur behavioral ecology, the absence of uncontested early species has hindered our understanding of their origins and the reconstruction of early evolution.”
This new pachycephalosaur species has been named zavacephale rinpoche, which thrived in Mongolia during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 108 million years ago.
During this period, the region was a valley adorned with lakes and flanked by cliffs and wetlands.
“zavacephale rinpoche predates the known Pakisepalosaur fossils by about 15 million years,” Dr. Chinzorig notes.
“It was a small creature, measuring less than 1 meter (3 feet) in length, yet it stands as the most complete specimen discovered to date.”
Fossilized remains of zavacephale rinpoche were found in the Klen Duk Formation within the East Gobi Basin.
“zavacephale rinpoche represents a vital specimen for deciphering the evolution of the Pachycephalosaurus’s cranial dome. This has been a topic of debate for quite some time, given the lack of early divergent or pre-rear Cretaceous species and the fragmentary nature of most Pachyphalosaurus fossils,” Dr. Chinzorig explained.
“We’ve encountered many unique experiences worldwide,” remarked Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and director of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
“The domes likely provided no defense against predators or help in thermoregulation; thus, they were probably a means of display for social interactions.”
“If you seek to establish a relationship, I suggest starting your rehearsals early,” she adds.
zavacephale rinpoche fills a significant gap in the timeline of Pachycephalosaurs.
“This specimen is a unique discovery,” Dr. Zanno emphasized.
“Not only does it push the fossil record of this group back by at least 15 million years, but it is also the oldest and most well-preserved Pachycephalosaurus known, offering profound insights into its anatomy and biology, including the use of gastroliths to aid in digestion.”
“The newly recovered materials from zavacephale rinpoche are helping to reconstruct our understanding of the paleobiology, locomotion, and anatomy of these enigmatic dinosaurs, including aspects of their hands, gastroliths, and the articulated tails with preserved tendons,” Dr. Chinzorig concluded.
The findings are detailed in a study published today in the journal Nature.
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T. Chinzorig et al. A dome-shaped Pakisephalosaurus from Mongolia’s early Cretaceous period. Nature Published online on September 17th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of rodent, acarechimys, an extinct genus that was widely distributed across South America, based on partial jaws and teeth found in Brazil.
Hypothetical reconstruction of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini. Image credit: Márcio Castro.
Red-tailed miracles hunikuini inhabited the Amazon region, present-day Brazil, approximately 10 million years ago during the late Miocene epoch.
This ancient species is part of the Octodontidea, a family of neotropical rodents within the par order Caviomorpha.
“The aquatic rodent families of the Neotropics, specifically Kabiomorpha, are fascinating due to their remarkable taxonomic and ecological diversity, reflecting a complex evolutionary history,” noted Colonia and colleagues.
“These rodents first appear in South American fossil records at the end of the Eocene epoch, according to current data, particularly from the records in Peru’s Amazon region.”
“The early scarcity of these species had already contributed to the diversification seen in the initial representatives of the Crown Group.”
“Today, Caviomorphs comprise 266 species, organized into two major clades and four superfamilies.”
“The superfamily Octodontoidea includes existing groups like Abrocomidae, Echimyidae, Octodontidae, Ctenomyidae, and several extinct lineages.”
“This represents the most diverse and abundant clade within Caviomorpha, both taxonomically and phenotypically.”
The fossilized teeth of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini were collected from outcrops during fieldwork in 2019 and 2022 in the Solimus Formation near the city of Feijó in Brazil’s Acre state.
“Since the mid-19th century, the Solimus Formation has revealed a diverse array of vertebrate fossils,” paleontologists commented.
“Recent dating of the fossil-rich area has suggested that the sediments date back to the Tortonian stage of the Upper Miocene.”
“Mammals represent one of the most diverse fossil groups found here, including bats, sloths, litopterns, marsupials, prominent families of rodents, primates, and Sirenians.”
“Additionally, remains of birds, crocodiles, Chelonians, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, oological bones, and plant materials have also been documented.”
The discovery of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini in this area, alongside various other fauna, indicates the coexistence of multiple superfamilies and highlights the richness of Brazilian Amazonian fauna.
“acarechimys likely emerged following the end of anemia and diversified in the Patagonia region during the early Miocene,” the researchers stated.
“By the mid-Miocene, it expanded beyond Patagonia, spreading into northern South America.”
“In the late Miocene, this lineage persisted only in regions outside Patagonia.”
“This new discovery marks the last known occurrence of the genus, supporting the theory of a late survival of rodent lineages in tropical areas—a pattern also observed in octodontoids, hydrocherines, and neoepimarids.”
“The rapid diversification and radiation of acarechimys, combined with the scarcity of data and discrepancies among studies focused on this group, and the isolated teeth found in the Amazon region, pose significant challenges for research on this genus.”
“Further studies are essential to enhance our understanding of the diversification and temporal variations of this broad octodontoidea lineage.”
The team’s publication has been featured in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Emmanuel Fontora et al. 2024. New Late Miocene Stem Octodontoids (Rodentia: Cabiomorpha: Octatinkiyoi) from the Solimus Formation (Brazil): Paleogeographical implications. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 44 (1): e2382822; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2382822
The sizable jaws of the predatory alxaurus species from the latest Triassic period in South Wales, Zanclodon cambrensis, have long captivated researchers. Could it be the oldest large theropod dinosaur? In a recent study, paleontologists from the University of Bristol and Cardiff’s National Museum examined the specimens using advanced 3D digital reconstruction techniques. They first confirmed that the specimens dated to the late Triassic period, likely sourced from the sandstones of the Kotam members of the Lilstock Formation. Anatomically, these specimens exhibit characteristics typical of theropod dinosaurs, potentially representing early, novel therapy-footed species such as Newtonsaurus cambrensis.
Two separate blocks containing the impression of the jaw Newtonsaurus cambrensis. Image credit: Evans et al., doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101142.
“This specimen has been mentioned in various scientific papers, yet its identity remains elusive. We were uncertain if it was even a dinosaur,” states Dr. Owain Evans, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol.
“Originally named Zanclodon cambrensis by Edwin Tully Newton in 1899, we learned that the name Zanclodon had been abandoned as it referred to a broad range of early reptiles.”
“Therefore, we honor Newton by naming it Newtonsaurus. It stands apart from all other dinosaurs of that time and warrants a unique designation.”
Newtonsaurus cambrensis roamed the Earth approximately 202 million years ago during the late Triassic.
The fossil was uncovered in a tempestuous area near Bridgend, Wales, UK.
The specimen represents the natural form of the left jaw, revealing both its interior (housed at the National Museum of Wales) and the outer surface (held at the British Geological Survey).
“The natural form of the inner and outer jawbone displays astonishing serrated details along the grooves, ridges, teeth, and even the edges of the teeth,” commented Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol.
“We opted to create a 3D model utilizing digital photography.”
“Our process began with surface scans of the fossils through photogrammetry.”
“Once I obtained a digital scan, I reversed it which provided a digital negativity.”
“It was simply a matter of merging both sides and analyzing the anatomy from there.”
“Digital reconstructions derived from specimens give us a considerably clearer understanding of the original structure of the bone.”
Now that the fossils have been examined, the team could utilize their anatomy to ascertain their positions in the reptile family tree, determining importantly whether they are dinosaurs.
“We can assert that this specimen is highly likely a member of the large predatory theropod dinosaurs that inhabited the South Wales coast during the late Triassic,” Dr. Evans remarked.
“The arrangement of the teeth exhibits a distinct, extraordinary dinosaur feature, identifying it as a carnivorous predator.”
“If it’s not a true dinosaur, it closely ties to the origins of the two major divisions of Coelophysis, namely Coelophysodia and Averostra.”
“The most surprising aspect is the size of the creature. The preserved jawbone measures 28 cm in length and constitutes just the front half; originally, it likely corresponded to dinosaurs measuring 60 cm in length, with a total body length of 5-7 m.”
“This size is exceptionally large for Triassic theropods, which predominantly were under half that size.”
“Such historical specimens are invaluable in paleontology, frequently yielding new and enlightening insights, even after years of dormancy in collections,” stated Dr. Cindy Howells, a paleontologist at the National Museum in Cardiff.
“Wales holds a treasure trove of fossil records, with a dense concentration of fossils across the UK.”
“Furthermore, Newtonsaurus cambrensis reiterates the significance of Wales in paleontological exploration.”
“These Triassic strata are scarce worldwide, but several can be found in Wales.”
“It’s quite plausible that another dinosaur may be discovered here.”
Survey results were published online today in Proceedings of the Geologists Association.
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Owain Evans et al. A reevaluation of a large orxaurial dentistry from the Late Triassic in South Wales, England. Proceedings of the Geologists Association published online on September 11th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101142
Marine biologists have identified three new species of deep-sea catanus fish belonging to the Lipalidae family in the Eastern Abyssian area of the Pacific (depths of 3,268-4,119 m).
In situ images of Careproctus colliculi in Monterey Bay, California, USA. Image credit: mbari.
The family of these fish, known as Repalidae, thrives in temperate to cold waters across the ocean basin.
These species play a significant role in ecosystems ranging from the intertidal zones to the hadal trenches (over 6,000 m).
They are well adapted to various habitats, likely due to their rapid evolutionary rates.
In shallower waters, these fish utilize specialized ventral suction discs to cling to rocks, adopting a curled, snail-like posture which gives rise to their common English name.
“The family Ripalidae comprises 31 accepted genera and 450 recognized species, with 43 being described in the last decade,” stated Dr. Mackenzie Gellinger from the State University of New York.
“At the family level, these fish are distinguished by their skate-like body, ventral suction discs formed by modified pelvic fins in many genera, and their elongated body structure.”
“Given the ecological significance of this family, the rapid discovery of new snail fish, and the important efforts needed to revise catanus classification, studying snail taxonomy is essential for advancing our understanding of marine biodiversity.”
The three new species are the bumpy snail (Careproctus colliculi), the dark snail (Careproctus yanceyi), and the sophisticated snail (Paralyparis em).
Paralyparis em and Careproctus yanceyi were collected using a suction sampler from a depth of 4,100 m via the human occupied vehicle (HOV) Albin on the R/V Atlantis.
Careproctus colliculi was gathered by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) Doc Ricketts on the R/V Western Flyer using a suction sampler from under 100 km off the coast of Monterey Bay, California.
To describe these new species, the authors utilized microscopy, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) scans, and meticulous measurements to gather specific data on size, shape, and various physical characteristics such as fin rays and vertebrae for each fish.
“Careproctus colliculi is identified by its pink body, 22 cerebral rock rays, rounded head, eight caudal rays, large eyes, and well-formed wing-like structure that creates a large suction disc,” they explained.
“Careproctus yanceyi features a medium-sized abdominal suction disc, a single nostril, and six branched rays, distinguishing it from other Eastern Pacific deep-sea snails, which have round heads and entirely black bodies with horizontal mouths.”
“Paralyparis em is marked by its long, black, laterally compressed body, absence of a suction disc, sharply angled jaw, a single chest radial, anteriorly positioned anal fin, and five branched rays.”
Researchers also sequenced the DNA of the fish and compared it with other snail species to contextualize the new species within their evolutionary framework.
“Taxonomic methods are crucial for comprehending the organisms we share our planet with and for studying and safeguarding global biodiversity,” Dr. Gellinger asserted.
“The deep sea is home to an astonishing variety of creatures with remarkable adaptations.”
“These three catanus fish serve as a reminder of how much remains unknown about life, the thrill of curiosity, and the power of exploration on Earth.”
The research findings are detailed in a new paper published in the journal Ichthyology and Herpetology.
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Mackenzie E. Gellinger et al. 2025. Description of three newly discovered Abyssal snails (Liparidae) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Ichthyology and Herpetology 113(3): 487-506; doi: 10.1643/i2024069
The newly identified Woylie species, Bettongia haoutharae, is likely already extinct, according to researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University.
Bettongia haoutharae. Image credit: Nelly Peas.
“Woylies act as ecosystem engineers, moving several tons of soil each year in search of their favorite mushroom snacks,” says Jake Newman Martin, a Curtin University student, along with colleagues.
“These adorable kangaroo relatives from Western Australia are among the most endangered mammals, as conservation efforts continue to save species at risk.”
In this recent study, the researchers examined fossils found in caves in southwestern Australia.
They uncovered an entirely new species and two new subspecies.
“This discovery unveils significant insights into the diversity of Woylies, also known as the brush tail veton,” explains Newman-Martin.
“Woylies are endangered marsupials that have been the focus of conservation initiatives for many years.”
“This new study officially recognizes it as a distinct species based on fossil evidence, along with two new variants of Woylies for the first time.”
“Regrettably, many of these species went extinct before we even became aware of them.
“Our findings categorize the endangered Woylie into two living subspecies, which are crucial for breeding and translocation strategies aimed at increasing population size and genetic fitness.”
Dr. Kenny Traboillon, curator of terrestrial zoology at the Western Australian Museum, stated:
“This research revealed various species and broadened the known diversity of Woylies by analyzing skull and body fossil materials that hadn’t been thoroughly examined before.”
“What our research highlights is that studying fossils alongside genetic tools can offer vital insights to aid conservation efforts for this endangered native species.”
A paper detailing the discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa.
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Jake Newman Martin et al. 2025. Taxonomic revision of Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) Description of species complexes and subfossil species Bettongia haoutharae sp. November. Zootaxa 5690(1); doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5690.1.1
Male ants of distinct species laid by the same mother: Messor ibericus (left) and Messor structor (right)
Jonathan Romiguier
In the clutches of the Iberian Harvester Ant queens, another male species, the Builder Harvester Ant, emerges. These males are responsible for siring all the workers in the colony.
“This assertion appears utterly unbelievable, akin to the impossible,” remarks Jonathan Romiguier from the University of Montpellier, France. Nonetheless, he has confirmed its validity.
Romiguier’s curiosity was piqued by the Iberian harvester ants (Messor ibericus) after he discovered that all the workers were hybrids. About half of their DNA aligned with that of the builder harvester ant (Messor structor).
The most plausible explanation is that the queen of M. ibericus mated with a male of M. structor. This occurrence is seen in other ant species. The reasons remain unclear, but two main theories have emerged. One is that hybrids of closely related species could benefit from what’s known as hybrid vigor, where various genes can compensate for each other’s deficiencies.
Another theory suggests this may address a peculiar challenge faced by M. ibericus and several other harvester ant species: whenever M. ibericus queens mate with males of their own species, all offspring become queens. This might stem from a genetic tendency to secure their lineage, but it becomes detrimental for colonies that need worker ants for survival. Breeding with another species may provide a solution.
However, M. ibericus colonies are widespread across various Mediterranean locales, unlike M. structor colonies, which are exclusive to Sicily. Nonetheless, Romiguier and his team encountered peculiar, hairless males of M. structor within an M. ibericus nest. So, where did they originate?
The genetic examination of these unusual males yielded perplexing insights. A tiny segment of the mitochondrial DNA—passed solely from the mother—indicated that these males derive from the M. ibericus queen.
This hinted that the eggs produced by the queen of M. ibericus could encompass males of a different species. To verify this theory, Romiguier brought several M. ibericus colonies into his lab. “Under laboratory conditions, it’s nearly impossible to find a male,” he comments. “We maintained about 50 colonies and observed one male for two years without success. Then, fortune smiled upon us.”
From three M. structor males born in the lab, the evidence was undeniable: the queen of M. ibericus produced males from both species. The only explanation for this phenomenon is that the queen ant cloned M. structor males using stored sperm in specialized organs called spermathecae. The resulting eggs were almost entirely devoid of M. ibericus DNA, except for its mitochondrial component.
This also clarifies the origin of M. structor sperm: by producing two types of males, the queen guarantees that her daughters who evolve into queens can mate with both male types. The females use M. ibericus sperm to generate new queens, while M. structor sperm is utilized for hybrid workers and new male ants.
There are notable instances from other species—including ants, mollusks, and stick insects—where female eggs are manipulated by male sperm from different species, leading to the elimination of egg DNA and the production of unrelated individuals. However, this scenario mainly benefits males. This is the sole known instance where both male and female offspring from distinct species rely on each other for reproduction.
“The queen of M. ibericus is entirely dependent on her cloned males. Without them, she cannot produce workers,” states Romiguier. Moreover, the clones of M. structor need the males of M. ibericus for rearing workers and sustaining their colonies—there is no sign that they mate exclusively within their species.
While these findings may seem far-fetched, they have garnered the support of other specialists. “The researchers conducted thorough investigations into these ants,” comments Nathan Law from the University of Sydney. “Their results robustly affirm their conclusions.”
He speculates that cloned males could accumulate harmful genetic mutations that may not be purged over time due to the lack of interbreeding with other strains. “Eventually, this system may start to decline, especially as environmental conditions shift.”
Romiguier agrees that this exceptional situation might eventually lead to collapse. Yet, at present, it appears that M. ibericus and M. structor have navigated their relationship with ingenious adaptability, propelling their expansion throughout the Mediterranean, while M. structor colonies have not established themselves elsewhere.
Insects and Ecosystem Expedition Safari: Sri Lanka
A voyage into the depths of Sri Lanka’s vast biodiversity through a unique entomology and ecosystem-centered expedition.
Named Huashanosaurus Qini, this new dinosaur species is estimated to be about 12 m (39 feet) in length.
It existed in the Cantonese Autonomous Region of present-day China approximately 200 to 162 million years ago.
“The Jurassic sauropods are notably abundant in China, particularly in regions like Yunnan, Sichuan, and Xinjiang, with fewer known areas such as Ganshu, Ningxia, Anhui, Tibet, and Gitsou.”
“In Guangzhou, the record of Jurassic dinosaur fossils is limited compared to those from the Cretaceous period.”
Two specimens of Huashanosaurus Qini, including partial skeletons, were collected from Huqiu Quarry, part of The King’s Formation, located east of Guangzhou in southern China.
The site also yielded some bone fish scales, teeth (likely from Scalpidotes sp.), incomplete plesiosaur teeth, and fragmentary dinosaur bones.
“There is an ongoing debate regarding the geological age of the Prince Formation,” remarked the paleontologists.
“Initially thought to be early Jurassic, the formation has limited paleontological evidence.”
“Scientists are considering it to date from early to mid-Jurassic due to the presence of larger species from this era.”
The team indicates that Huashanosaurus Qini is a member of eusauropoda, a derived group of sauropod dinosaurs.
“This marks Guangzhou’s second eusauropod discovery,” the researcher noted.
“The first eusauropod described, Jingia dongxingensis, was excavated from the late Jurassic Dung Xing Formation.”
The discovery of Huashanosaurus Qini adds valuable information to the understanding of the evolutionary diversification of eusauropod dinosaurs.
“Huashanosaurus Qini is positioned more basally than early Jurassic forms like Balcanodon, Tazoudasaurus, and Goncyanosaurus, as well as early to mid-Jurassic representatives such as Barapasaurus,” stated the scientist.
“It is generally accepted that the main radiation of eusauropods occurred towards the end of the early Jurassic and the early Jurassic intervals.”
“From this perspective, the discovery of Huashanosaurus Qini provides further evidence for early to mid-King’s age.”
Survey results have been published in the journal Acta Geologica Sinica.
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Jinyou Mo et al. 2025. A new eusauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic Prince Formation in lower and central Nieming County in Guangzhou, southern China. Acta Geologica Sinica 99(4): 909-924; doi: 10.1111/1755-6724.15331
Paleontologists have introduced a new genus and species of stem cell turtles, based on complete fossil shells discovered in the early Ale Holocene Denver Formation in Colorado.
Reconstruction of Tavachelydra stevensoni in a water environment with logs. Image credit: Andrey Atuchin.
Tavachelydra stevensoni existed in present-day US during the late Ale Holocene, approximately 66-65 million years ago, shortly after the mass extinction event.
The species is part of the Chelydridae family of freshwater turtles, which includes at least seven extinct species and two extant genera.
“The clade of extant Chelydrid turtles (Chelydridae) comprises five species native to the New World,” stated Dr. Tyler Lyson from the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences and his team.
“Though not a varied clade, Chelydrid turtles are commonly found in most North American freshwater ecosystems.”
“The broader group of Chelydrids (i.e., Pan-Chelydridae) is present throughout Laurasia, but their fossil records are notoriously fragmented.”
Fossilized shells and two skulls of Tavachelydra stevensoni were found in the Corral Bluffs survey area in El Paso County, southern Colorado, east of Colorado Springs.
“The straight shell measures nearly 50 cm in length, making Tavachelydra stevensoni one of the larger turtles from the early Ale (Puercan) of the Denver Basin,” remarked the paleontologist.
“Interestingly, two Pan-Chelydrid turtles coexisted during the early Middle Age of this formation: Tavachelydra stevensoni and Denverus middletonii.
“The size difference is significant, with Tavachelydra stevensoni being at least four times larger than Denverus middletonii, which may have reduced competition between the two species in overlapping geographical ranges.”
Although little is known about the paleoenvironment of the single known specimen of Denverus middletonii, the yellow sandstone of fine to medium grain was initially interpreted as channel fill.
In contrast, the two specimens of Tavachelydra stevensoni suggest that they were likely found in ponded waters or sediments, indicating they lived in sediment-rich areas such as overbank deposits.
“While little can be said about the diet of Denverus middletonii due to the lack of skull preservation, the skulls of Tavachelydra stevensoni show large, wide, flat surfaces, likely used to consume hard-shelled organisms such as corals, shelled mollusks, and crabs,” noted the researchers.
“Thus, it seems plausible that Denverus middletonii and Tavachelydra stevensoni occupied distinct ecological niches, with Tavachelydra stevensoni preferring a pond habitat and a durophagous diet.”
“Remarkably, turtle species with a durophagous diet have shown higher survival rates during mass extinction events compared to those with softer diets.”
In addition to the presumed dietary habits of Tavachelydra stevensoni, other common reptiles from the same sedimentary formation include the button-toothed crocodile Cf. Wangonacosuchus and Baenid turtles such as Paratabena nerrellum, Succersies gilberti, and Cedrobaena putrius.
“This indicates that durophagy was a significant life history trait for the earliest Ale-Holocene freshwater vertebrates in North America.”
The discovery of Tavachelydra stevensoni is detailed in a paper published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.
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TR Lyson et al. 2025. New pan-chlydrid turtle, Tavachelydra stevensoni gen. et sp. from the Coral Bluffs area, Lower Aleapione (early Danian, Puercan), Denver Basin, Colorado. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 46; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00375-4
LONDON – A former graduate student who studied fossils dating back 125 million years has made a significant discovery by identifying a new species of dinosaur characterized by sails on its back.
Survey results, published in the Paleontology Journal on Friday, link this discovery to fossils first unearthed on the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, during the 1970s.
Initially, these fossil bones were believed to belong to one of two known species of the Iguanodon type found on the island. However, retired doctor Jeremy Lockwood remarked he observed a peculiar difference in the spinal structure of the fossils while pursuing his doctoral studies in paleontology at the University of Portsmouth.
Having a medical background, Lockwood noted that these dinosaurs exhibited an unusually tall neurospinus.
After meticulously examining several bones in the collections of Dinosaur Island on the Isle of Wight and reviewing existing literature, he concluded that this specimen is a completely distinct species.
Although the skeletons were less complete than other known specimens, Lockwood stated in a release from the Museum of Natural History in London that the bones had not received adequate attention prior to his analysis.
Detailed images of two consecutive dorsal vertebrae of the macarserae vertebral musculoskeletal. Via Wiley Online Library
“It was incredible,” Lockwood shared with NBC News in a phone interview on Friday. “We discovered that 125 million years ago, the diversity of dinosaurs was far greater than we had previously thought.”
The exact purpose of the sails in dinosaurs has sparked long-standing debates, with theories ranging from temperature control to fat storage.
Several other dinosaur species are also known to possess sails.
For this new species, “the most plausible explanation for the sail is visual signaling, likely as part of a sexual display often influenced by mate selection,” Lockwood noted.
“For me, the thrill lies in naming the dinosaurs,” Lockwood added.
Lockwood, as the lead author of the paper, named the new dinosaur Istiorachis macarthurae. The term Isthiolatis is derived from the ancient Greek words meaning “sail spine,” referring to the tall sail-like formations along the creature’s back.
Macarthurae pays tribute to the well-known island resident Ellen MacArthur, who is also a sailor from the Isle of Wight.
“It’s certainly not an everyday occurrence to be asked if a newly identified dinosaur can bear your name!” MacArthur said in a statement.
“I was quite taken aback when this conversation started, but I felt incredibly honored to be asked.”
“It’s extraordinary and a great privilege that a creature from 125 million years ago could share my last name,” MacArthur remarked.
“The notion that it could rival the sails I’ve spent much of my life beneath was truly touching.”
“125 million years ago, this dinosaur also inhabited the island,” Lockwood said. “I prefer naming dinosaurs in a way that connects them to the Isle of Wight, as it holds significant paleontological importance.”
The new species is relatively small by dinosaur standards, comparable in size to an American bison.
According to Lockwood, this discovery adds to a legacy of findings on the island, which has seen the identification of 10 new dinosaur species over the past six years.
The newly identified dragonfly species, Corduladensa asorni, found in Alberta’s Dinosaur Regional Park, represents Canada’s sole Mesozoic dragonfly, bridging a significant 30 million-year gap in the evolutionary lineage of dragonflies.
Corduladensa asorni. Image credit: Alex Anderson.
The fossilized wings of Corduladensa asorni were uncovered in 2023 by undergraduate students at McGill University during a vertebrate paleontology field course at Dinosaur State Park.
“We were digging in areas where numerous leaf fossils had been found, breaking the rocks,” explained Andre Mueller, a paleontologist from McGill University.
“When we uncovered the partial wings, we were astonished, as we didn’t anticipate discovering insects in that location.”
Due to its remarkable characteristics and unique anatomy, Corduladensa asorni led researchers to establish a new family called Cordualadensidae.
“This marks the first dragonfly from the age of dinosaurs identified in Canada,” noted Mueller.
“Its wingspan was comparable to that of a human hand, and although it was small, it played a crucial role in the Cretaceous ecosystem.”
Fossil wings of Corduladensa asorni. Image credits: Mueller et al., doi: 10.1139/cjes-2024-0162.
“This discovery showcases impression fossils, an entirely new method of preserving local insect fossils, effectively doubling our knowledge of insects from the Dinosaur Regional Parks,” stated Dr. Alexandre Demars Potvin from McGill University.
“We have begun to find more insect fossils by broadening our search areas and methodologies.”
“The diversity of insect life during this era would have been far greater than previously believed.”
The discovery of Corduladensa asorni aids in closing a 30 million-year evolutionary gap.
It is also the first known member of a significant group of dragonflies termed Cavilabiata found in North America.
“The wing anatomy indicates that this species was adapted for gliding, a trait associated with today’s migratory dragonflies and likely vital to their success,” commented Professor Hans Larson of McGill University.
“This specimen offers insight into what life in Canada was like 75 million years ago and provides an important new piece of the ecological puzzle in one of the most diverse regions rich in dinosaur fossils.”
The team’s publication was released this month in the Canada Journal of Earth Science.
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Andre S. Mueller et al. A new family of fossil dragonfly (Odonata, Kabilaviata) from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada. Canada Journal of Earth Science Published online on August 1, 2025. doi:10.1139/cjes-2024-0162
However, this group has a fragmented fossil record that starts in the Australian mainland during the late Miocene epoch.
To date, two additional species of fossil forest wallabies have been described: Dorcopsoides buloloensis from the early Pliocene in southeastern Australia and Docopseudofossil from the late Miocene Alcuta Formation on the continent.
The new species, Dorcopsoides cowpatensis, is smaller than its relatives and exhibits varying combinations of dental characteristics and skeletal conditions.
“New Guinea forest wallabies are not well-known scientifically, and there is limited fundamental information regarding their diet and habitat,” noted Professor Gavin Prideaux of Flinders University.
“The existing forest wallabies are adorable and unique, featuring a slightly melancholic, whippet-like visage.”
“Their robust, curved tails function similarly to those of grey kangaroos, aiding in slow movements, almost acting as a fifth limb.”
The fossil of Dorcopsoides cowpatensis was unearthed at Kaupat Hill in the Alkuta Station of the Northern Territory.
“Forest wallabies likely migrated from Australia to New Guinea around 12 million years ago, disappearing from Australia for reasons still unclear over the past five million years,” remarked Dr. Isaac Kerr of Flinders University.
“During this time, low sea levels regularly connected the islands of New Guinea and mainland Australia, rather than being separated by the currently flooded Torres Straits.”
“Thus, early Australian mammals ventured into New Guinea’s rainforests.”
“However, once the Torres Strait was submerged again, these animal populations became isolated from their Australian counterparts, which did not endure the severe aridity characteristic of most of Australia.”
“Although Dorcopsoides cowpatensis shares many traits with contemporary forest wallabies, it inhabited remarkably different ecosystems.”
“Its environment comprised dry, scrubby bushes surrounded by thick forests, extensive marshes, and ephemeral streams and lakes.”
“These species are believed to have made quick, albeit brief, transitions from dense foliage to more open regions, foraging on leaves, fruits, and fungi.”
Research results were published in Alcheringa, the Australian Journal of Palaeontology.
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Isaac Kerr & Gavin J. Prideaux. New fossil kangaroo species of the genus Docopseud (Macropodina, Macropodinae) from the Onyeba Regional Fauna in the Late Miocene, Central Australia. Alcheringa published online on July 30th, 2025. doi:10.1080/03115518.2025.2521772
Small, toothed mammals represent the most unusual of all whales. If they were still around today, they would be as symbolically Australian as kangaroos. A new paper published this week in The Linnaean Society’s Journal of Zoology details a recently identified species named Janjucetus lullardi, derived from a 25 million-year-old specimen unearthed in Victoria, Australia.
Janjucetus lullardi — 25 million years ago, a calf and its mother swam in the shallow waters off the coast of Victoria. Image credit: Ruairidh Duncan.
“Currently, some of the most iconic species of whales, including blue and humpback whales, are whale veil.” I noted, said LeAilid Duncan, a paleontologist from Monash University.
“These marine giants utilize a hairy filter in their mouths called Baleen to sift through plankton.
“In contrast, these mammals had bodies measuring less than 3 meters, with large eyes and short jaws filled with teeth.”
“Despite this description, we know that mammalian whales lacked Baleen.”
“They appeared to be derived from the major evolutionary lines leading to today’s toothless giants.”
All known mammalian species thrived during the late Oligocene epoch, approximately 27 to 23 million years ago.
Interestingly, three of the four identified species were found along the Victoria Surf Coast, southeast of Melbourne.
“The first mammal was uncovered in 1932 and was named in 1939 Mammalian Coraliber,” the paleontologist remarked.
“It featured a blunt jaw bone with a rich supply of blood and nerves for its facial and lip muscles.”
“Notably, the teeth show signs of wear on the gums, indicating they foraged for abrasive prey (along with gritty substances) from the seafloor.”
“In 2006, a local naturalist discovered the first fossil of a species named after him, Janjucetus hunderi.
“This whale had a sturdy triangular snout with sharp teeth and strong muscles to close its powerful jaw.”
“However, the exact differences in the lifestyle of Mammalian Coraliber and Janjucetus hunderi compared to other whales remain largely unclear, hinting at a diverse range of behaviors.”
The fossilized remains of Janjucetus lullardi, dating back 25 million years, were found in 2019 by school principal Ross Dallard along the coast of Yang JUC in Victoria.
“Janjucetus lullardi measured about 2 meters in length. It’s compact enough to fit in a standard single bed,” the researcher noted.
“This may be the first fossilized whale discovered in Australia, and potentially the first fossils of a juvenile whale found in this region.”
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Ruairidh J. Duncan et al. 2025. Insights into the mystiology of immature teeth from the Australian Oligocene and mammals (Cetacea: Mysticeti) morphology, phylogenetics, and ontogeny. The Linnaean Society’s Journal of Zoology 204 (4): ZLAF090; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf090
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