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Model of Australopithecus Hominin
Credit: Cro Magnon/Alamy
In Ethiopia, 13 human teeth have been found within volcanic ash layers dating between 26 to 2.8 million years ago. Researchers indicate that some of these teeth are attributed to the genus Homo, hinting that others may belong to a newly identified human lineage, suggesting a coexistence of both species.
“They shared resources and everything was fine,” says Kay Reed from Arizona State University. “I cannot be certain at this point.”
Previous finds suggested that early members of several Homo species existed in this region about 3 million years ago, including Australopithecus afarensis, the species of the well-known Lucy Fossil.
The emergence of the first representatives of the genus Homo around 2.5 million years ago showcases characteristics increasingly reminiscent of modern human traits. So, what unfolded during that period? To delve into this, Reid and her colleagues have been excavating at Ledi-Geraru, an area rich with volcanic deposits from this pivotal epoch.
In 2013, her team unearthed a chin from a 2.8 million-year-old Homo species, pushing back the timeline for the origin of this genus. Recently, her team identified 13 teeth across three distinct layers of ash.
The oldest and youngest dental specimens (dated 2.79 and 2.59 million years) also belong to the genus Homo, as per the team’s findings. Nevertheless, they postulate that the teeth from the middle layer (dated 2.63 million years) are from Australopithecus. All excavation sites are within a kilometer of one another.
“We anticipated discovering more Homo specimens, yet we also encountered Australopithecus,” Reid remarks.
Molar teeth from Ledi-Geraru, possibly from an unidentified Australopithecus species
Brian Billmore: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Moreover, Australopithecus teeth exhibit distinctive features when compared to A. afarensis and other members of the genus, leading the team to speculate that they may belong to a new species. If this hypothesis holds, it indicates a more intricate and expansive evolutionary tree leading to modern humans than previously assumed.
“This is a significant finding,” states John Hawks from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, he cautions against drawing firm conclusions based merely on a handful of teeth.
“When fossils span a timeframe of 200,000 years, as these teeth do, it’s challenging to assert that they coexisted,” remarks Hawks. “That’s a vast period.”
There are also concerns about the identification of distinct species from these teeth. “Many fossils exhibit characteristics that overlap with various species. It’s feasible to categorize smaller samples into distinct groups—some resembling Homo and others more akin to Australopithecus,” Hawks explains.
“The issue remains statistical; the measurements do not indicate that these teeth are substantially different. They fall within the overlapping size ranges of early Australopithecus and early Homo species.”
Neanderthals, Ancient Humans, Cave Art: France
Join New Scientist’s Kate Douglas for an enchanting journey through time, exploring significant Neanderthal and Upper Paleolithic sites in southern France, spanning from Bordeaux to Montpellier.
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In human stories, I aim to address common questions about human evolution. In February 2021, I tackled a query that many find perplexing—whether Neanderthals and modern humans are distinct species (short answer: species boundaries are ambiguous).
This month, we confront another frequently asked question: Do Denisovans, the extinct human group once prevalent in Asia, have a designated species name? If so, what should that name be?
The debate regarding the “official” name of the Denisovans has been lively since their discovery in 2010. Notably, in June, the skull of Harbin, dubbed the Dragon Man from northern China, was classified as Denisovan through molecular evidence. This marked the first acquisition of a Denisovan skull, giving us insights into their facial features.
While participating in New Scientist discussions, host Rowan Hooper asked why Denisovans lack a species name. Why can’t we refer to them as Homo Denisovanensis, similar to how Neanderthals are called Homo Neanderthalensis?
I preferred a straightforward explanation: insufficient information has hindered a definitive classification of Denisovans. Their DNA shows significant divergence from Neanderthal DNA; yet, we require detailed insights into their anatomy and skeletal structure.
However, this inquiry is multifaceted. First, we must identify which fossils unequivocally belong to Denisovans. This involves analyzing numerous specimens and decades of research, complicating the resolution. Secondly, we need to determine which of the assigned names should take precedence under our classification norms—a legal question that adds to the complexity.
Who’s Included and Who’s Excluded?
A brief reminder about Denisovans: they are an enigmatic group of humans initially identified in 2010 from fragments of a finger bone discovered in the Denisova Cave in Siberia’s Altai Mountains. Genetic analysis revealed they were distinct from both modern humans and Neanderthals. Moreover, many contemporary individuals, especially in Southeast Asia and Melanesia, carry Denisovan DNA.
This suggests that Denisovans were quite widespread in East Asia over the past several hundred thousand years. So, where are the Denisovan fossils?
Fifteen years later, a handful of Denisovan fossils have been actively categorized. For example, mandibles discovered on the Tibetan Plateau were identified through fossil proteins and sediment DNA. Similarly, a jawbone retrieved from the Pengle waterway off the coast of Taiwan was confirmed as Denisovan in April.
Nonetheless, we still lack a complete skeleton. Identifying the Harbin skull as Denisovan brought us closer to understanding their appearance, yet many more discoveries are necessary.
Numerous human fossils in East Asia potentially belong to Denisovans. However, categorizing these remains has proven challenging, as they often do not resemble established species like modern humans, Neanderthals, or even Homo Erectus. If adequate specimens surface, thus confirming their Denisovan identity, our understanding could significantly improve, leading to a formal classification.
But how do we determine which fossils are Denisovan? Ideally, we seek molecular evidence of preserved DNA or protein for comparison with the original Denisovan remnants. However, many fossils remain unanalyzed or inaccessible.
One notable effort to address this issue was a preliminary study submitted by a team led by Xijun Ni from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in March 2024. By comparing 57 human fossils for various physical traits, they constructed familial relationships between these findings.
The team found three primary groups among Eurasian hominins: Modern Humans, Neanderthals, and a third group composed of the original Denisovan fossil, the Tibetan cave jawbone, the Pengle jawbone, and the Harbin skull. This third category appears to represent those we refer to as Denisovans.
This is an intriguing proposition, but others disagree.
A collection of contentious fossils from Hualongdong, southern China, offers a wealth of material: an almost complete skull, 14 teeth, an upper jaw, six isolated teeth, and additional fragments dating back around 300,000 years.
While the NI team classified the Hualongdong specimens as part of the Denisovan group, a study led by Xiujie Wu in July suggested that these teeth did not show clear correlations, proposing instead that they may belong to a different hominin group. Another interpretation could be that the Denisovans at Hualongdong were somewhat disparate from those in other regions.
In the meantime, other intriguing fossils from Asia continue to emerge. Among them are specimens from Dariscal and Jinniushan, both around 260,000 years old, which Ni’s team has suggested might also belong to the Denisovan lineage.
As the list of contending Denisovan fossils grows, we must decide how to categorize them.
The Harbin Skull
Hebei Geo University
Homo — What Does It Mean?
Interestingly, I was part of the team that described the Harbin skull in 2021, and we named it Homo Longhi. So, could that be the name we assign to Denisovans?
However, last year a competing proposition was put forth by Woo and Christopher Beh from the University of Hawaii, who suggested that we should center around fossils from Xujiayao in northern China, proposing to call this new species Homo Jurensis—fossils that would include the original Denisovan findings.
This idea’s strength lies in the resemblance of Xujiayao fossils to Denisovan remains, a point also observed by the NI team. However, Bae and Wu aimed to designate the Xujiayao fossils as “type specimens.”
This raises two issues: the classification of fossils and the naming protocols. Let’s examine each aspect separately.
In classification, the Homo Jurensis proposal faces challenges. Bae and Wu classify the Harbin skull as Homo Jurensis or Denisovan, yet it lacks sufficient resemblance to warrant such designation. A study published in June demonstrated molecular evidence clearly linking the Harbin skull to Denisovans. Hence, identifying those fossils as Denisovan would contravene objective realities, making Homo Jurensis seem unfounded.
What about taxonomy? This area is intricate. A crucial factor is the concept of priority, where the first proposed name tends to gain precedence. Hence, Homo Longhi might likely take precedence over Homo Jurensis as it was suggested three years earlier.
Are there alternative names for Denisovans?
The excavators of Denisova Cave never formally classified Denisovans as a distinct species. Anatoly Derebianco, part of that team, suggested the name Homo Sapiens Altaiensis, implying they would serve as a modern human subspecies—yet this proposal lacked formal status, rendering it typically insignificant.
This year, Derebianco has published a series of papers discussing what Denisovans could be. His references include locations in Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Iran, referring to them collectively as Homo sapiens denisovan. I remain unsure if formal explanations were provided, as only abstracts were published, and if completed, it occurred post the naming of Homo Longhi.
Lastly, it’s possible that one of the names was assigned to an Asian human fossil within an obscure publication decades ago. If the fossil is ultimately identified as Denisovan, the name takes precedence (assuming it was adequately introduced). Nevertheless, Wu, Bae, Ni, and others assessed this notion in 2023 and concluded that many crucial fossils were not appropriately named. For instance, there was a suggestion to label Dali’s skull as Homo Dariensis, yet such ideas amounted to informal statements rather than formally recognized classifications.
Your head might be swirling from this cascade of names and species classifications, so let’s recap: the critical takeaway is our evolving understanding of Denisovans, which brings us closer to officially designating their name.
Given our comprehension of taxonomic norms and their significance, Homo Longhi could emerge as the official designation. Although I can’t influence the decision, they will always remain Denisovans in my mind.
Paleontologists have uncovered a remarkable new genus and species of early extinct plesioaurooid plesiosaurs from a nearly complete skeleton discovered in the Jurassic Posidonian shale of Holzmaden, Germany.
Reconstruction of Plesionectes longicollum‘s life. Image credit: Peter Nicolaus.
The newly identified species, Plesionectes longicollum, thrived in the early Jurassic seas approximately 183 million years ago.
This marine reptile reached lengths of about 3.2 m, with a body length of 1.25 m and a tail measuring 81 cm.
The skeleton, complete with fossilized soft tissue remnants, was excavated in 1978 from a Posidonia Shale quarry in Holzmaden, Germany, and its distinct anatomical features are now fully recognized through thorough scientific examination.
“The specimen has been part of our collection for decades, yet prior studies never fully explored its unique anatomy,” remarked Dr. Sven Sachs, paleontologist at Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld.
“Our in-depth analysis uncovered a rare combination of skeletal traits that distinctly separate them from all previously recognized plesiosaurs.”
Skeleton of Plesionectes longicollum. Scale bar – 30 cm. Image credit: S. Sachs & D. Madzia, doi: 10.7717/Peerj.19665.
Plesionectes longicollum is particularly significant as it represents the oldest known plesiosaur from the Holzmadden area.
“This discovery contributes another piece to the evolutionary puzzle of marine ecosystems during a pivotal period in Earth’s history,” stated Dr. Daniel Magia, a paleontologist at the Polish Academy of Sciences.
“The early Toarcian epoch, when this creature existed, was marked by substantial environmental changes, including major marine anoxic events that impacted life in oceans globally.”
This finding illustrates that the Posidonian shales, well-known for their remarkably preserved fossils, harbor an even greater diversity of marine reptiles than previously acknowledged.
“The Posidonian Shale of Holzmaden has already yielded five other plesiosaur species, encompassing representatives from three major plesiosaur lineages,” the authors noted.
“This new addition provides one of the most vital insights into Jurassic marine life, enhancing our understanding of this era.”
Survey results will be available online in the journal Peerj.
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S. Sachs & D. Madzia. 2025. An unusual early fledgling plesiosauroid from the Lower Jurassic Posidonian Shale in Holzmaden, Germany. Peerj 13:E19665; doi:10.7717/peerj.19665
Australian entomologists unveil a remarkable new species from the Stick Insect genus Acrofella, identified from two female specimens and their eggs.
Holotype of Acrofera Alta in its natural habitat. Image credit: Ross M. Coupland.
Originally described in 1835, Acrofella is a genus of stick insects belonging to the tribe Phasmatini.
Species in this genus inhabit nearby regions including China, Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, and Lord Howe Island.
The newly classified Acrofera species is found in the highlands of the Wettropic Bioregion in Queensland, Australia.
“Key locations include Lewis National Park, Evelyn Tableland (likely encompassing Maarlan National Park), Topaz, Upper Baron, Mount Hypamie, and Dumbra,” stated Professor Angus Emmott from James Cook University and his colleague Ross Coupland.
The new species, named Acrofera Alta, can reach lengths of up to 40 cm (16 inches) and weigh approximately 44 g.
Typically light brown in color, this species is exceptionally camouflaged despite its large size.
“Although there are long stick insects in this region, they tend to have relatively light bodies,” explained Professor Emmott.
“As far as we know, this is Australia’s heaviest insect.”
The eggs of Acrofera Alta were also crucial in distinguishing it as a new species.
“Every stick insect species has distinct egg characteristics,” noted Professor Emmott.
“Their surfaces, textures, and corrosion patterns vary. Shapes can differ as well.”
“Even the caps of the eggs are uniquely identifiable.”
Researchers speculate that Acrofera Alta may not have been discovered earlier due to the inaccessibility of its habitat.
“Their environment could explain their large body size,” Professor Emmott added.
“It is a cool, damp habitat.”
“Larger body weight might enable them to endure colder temperatures, which could have led to their evolutionary characteristics over millions of years.”
The identification of such a large new insect species highlights the critical need to conserve remaining biologically diverse habitats and ecosystems, with potential undiscovered species like stick insects awaiting description.
The discovery of Acrofera Alta has been documented in a study published in the journal Zootaxa.
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Ross M. Coupland and Angus J. Emmott. 2025. New giant species of Acrofella Gray, 1835 (Fasmida: Fasmida), from the highlands of Wettropic, Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa 5647(4): 371-383; doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4
Marine researchers have discovered a new species of the genus Stingray Neotrygon residing in the waters of Fiji.
Vibrant colors of Neotrygon Romeoi from around Fiji. Image credit: Glaus et al., doi: 10.1111/jfb.70094.
Neotrygon is a genus of stingrays found extensively in the West Pacific region of India.
Commonly referred to as mask rays, these animals are uniquely identifiable within the family Dasyatidae by a dark band present in the interorbital area, which results in distinctive black and white banding towards the latter part of the tail and two nipple-like structures in the mouth.
Currently, there are 17 recognized species of Neotrygon, with ten of these described since 2016.
The majority of these species (14) are believed to belong to the blue-spotted maskray complex.
The newly identified species, found exclusively in Fiji’s waters, has been named Neotrygon Romeoi, previously confused with Neotrygon kuhlii and Neotrygon trigonoides.
“It is characterized by its broad, angular snout, long claspers in adult males, and a row of spine-like structures extending from the neck to the tail’s base,” explained Dr. Kelstin Grousse, a researcher at the University of South Pacific.
“The ray’s brown dorsal surface is adorned with dark, mask-like patterns around its eyes, and it features two large patches behind its spirals, along with numerous small black spots surrounding its face.”
The description of Neotrygon Romeoi is based on nine specimens (31-39.7 cm disc width) procured from the Suva fish market and collected by local fishermen. Notably, none of the rays were killed for research purposes.
“Rays are among the most threatened marine species,” stated Dr. Glaus.
“Considering their limited distribution, high catch volumes, and unknown life histories, it is advisable to evaluate them for protection under Fiji’s Endangered and Species Conservation Act. This act is particularly relevant for endemic sharks and rays, assisting in the preservation of native biodiversity by regulating trade and the protection of certain vulnerable species.”
“This discovery underscores Fiji’s unique natural heritage and the urgent necessity to enhance our understanding and conservation of marine species,” added Lavenie Tawake, team leader of the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program.
The discovery of Neotrygon Romeoi has been documented in a study published in the Journal of Fish Biology.
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Kirsten Grousse et al. A new species of blue-spotted maskray (Neotrygon, Dasyatidae) from Fiji. Journal of Fish Biology published online on June 9th, 2025. doi:10.1111/jfb.70094
New species of Velociraptor – Similar to the dinosaurs found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, they boasted large claws and sturdy hands, enabling them to conquer larger prey.
The species is named Sri Lapax, inspired by the “intense characteristics we observe in our own hands,” explained Andrea Cow, a paleontologist from Italy.
Sri Lapax stretches approximately 2 meters in length and originates from the Judokta Formation, an expansive landscape of sand dunes and intermittent lakes dating back 75 million years.
Excavated in 2010, this fossil was illicitly transported into private collections in Japan and the UK before being returned to Mongolia. A collaborative study by CAU and colleagues uncovered bones that had been buried within rock layers, revealing remarkably preserved hands.
“The structure of the hand is notably robust, with particularly long and narrow claws,” remarked Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from North Carolina State University. “This adaptation may have facilitated grasping and subduing relatively large prey.”
The primary claw measures 79.5 mm, nearly double the length of the corresponding claw in its closest relative, Velociraptor mongoliensis.
“When compared to Velociraptor – which is approximately the same size – the hands are 150% more robust, and the claws are elongated,” noted Cau. “[It] appears to have been adapted to pursue prey that was more formidable than what its relatives typically targeted.”
Strong nails of Sri Lapax
Royal Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels
Despite the loss of the skull and some vertebrae prior to the repatriation, CAU and colleagues managed to reconstruct the missing parts digitally, utilizing CT scans of the fossils conducted in 2016. The findings suggest that the skull is likely short and robust, indicating a stronger bite compared to many of its contemporaries.
James Napoli from Stony Brook University in New York noted the significance of recovering the missing skull and vertebrae. “The skull is particularly crucial for understanding this animal’s lifestyle and its evolutionary significance among theropod dinosaurs,” he stated.
The latest nature documentary from Apple TV+, Wild Ones, offers an insider’s perspective, showcasing three expert efforts in a series that truly deserves attention.
The opening narration reminds us that nature faces dire threats, with around 150 species disappearing daily. The mission of the film is to “find, document, and protect” six of the most endangered species, aiming not only to raise awareness but also to prompt action from local officials to prevent extinction.
Camera Trap Specialists Declan Burley, Wildlife Cameraman Vianet Djenguet, and Expedition Leader Aldo Kane embark on a global journey to capture footage of the world’s rarest wildlife.
The first episode leads them into the Malaysian jungle, searching for a rare tiger. Subsequent episodes will take viewers to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to find Gobi Bears, and onto tracking the Javan rhinos, the Gabon gorilla, and Caucasian leopards, in addition to marine life such as the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis.
This series employs advanced technology like drones and thermal imaging to produce breathtaking visuals of the animals and their environments. The untouched rainforests of Malaysia—often further from human contact than places visited by astronauts—are just part of the previously unseen natural world that Wild Ones uncovers.
However, the success of the documentary hinges on Burley, Djenguet, and Kane’s emotional engagement, which keeps viewers invested in the animals’ fates. Their reactions, whether witnessing an elusive leopard or the plight of whales caught in nets, leave an indelible mark on the audience.
Seeing three on-screen experts doing their job will hook stubborn fans of the genre
In a poignant moment deep within Taman Negara National Park, Burley reviews footage from a hidden camera, initially excited about capturing a rare Malayan tiger, only to discover that the creature has been maimed by a poacher’s trap.
Burley shares the footage with Djenguet and Kane, his connection to the animals rendering him visibly emotional. Local experts point out that such striking images are vital, sparking action from viewers worldwide. The trio understands their role, but the distress it causes them is undeniable.
While the emotional weight is palpable, the episodes’ lengths and scripted interactions sometimes disrupt the flow. Occasional forced humor and dramatic elements can dilute the impact, making the experience feel less authentic.
Nonetheless, as the series progresses, Burley, Djenguet, and Kane become more at ease on camera, captivating dedicated fans with their expertise and drawing in audiences eager for authenticity.
This series stands out in the realm of nature documentaries, providing an intimate look at the emotional turmoil, physical challenges, and the enduring patience required to produce such content. With dozens of cameras stationed in perilous locations, team members must meticulously return for footage, sometimes after months.
Ultimately, capturing footage of these endangered animals in Wild Ones is not just a visual feast; it’s a compelling call to action aimed at preserving these species for future generations.
Gregory Wakeman is a Los Angeles-based author.
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Paleontologists have discovered a new genus and species within the Talpidae family, based on a partial skeleton found at a Pliocene Age site in Camp dels Ninotto, Girona, Spain.
Reconstructing the life of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti. Image credit: Jesus Gamara / Ifesquelka.
The newly identified species is named Vulcanoscaptor ninoti. This mole lived in Spain approximately 3.25 million years ago.
The fossilized skeleton was uncovered in 2010 at the Camp del Sninott site in Girona, Spain.
“This specimen includes the mandible with complete dentition, parts of the trunk, and some bones from both fore and hind limbs, many of which are still in anatomical relationships.”
“Exceptional preservation is exceedingly rare in small mammals like moles, making this specimen one of the oldest and most complete in Europe.”
“These fossils represent the most comprehensive mole fossils known from the Pliocene in Europe, offering significant insights into the evolutionary history of talpid.”
The fossils were partially encased in dense sediment blocks and were fully extracted during excavation.
To study it without causing damage, paleontologists utilized high-resolution microcomputed tomography (MicroCT) scans, allowing for precise 3D digital reconstruction of the skeletons.
“MicroCT enabled us to analyze very small and delicate structures such as phalanges and teeth.”
“This technological approach allowed us to identify unique anatomical features and incorporate them into a robust phylogenetic analysis.”
The structure of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti shows that both the forelimbs and hind limbs exhibit a high degree of adaptation to an underground lifestyle.
“The humerus is particularly robust, featuring a wide array of prominent muscle attachment sites, suggesting strong digging capabilities,” said Dr. Linares.
“However, the preservation of this specimen in lake sediments and its lateral position increases the likelihood that it possessed some aquatic mobility.”
“While we can’t confirm this definitively, there’s a modern mole that excels at both digging and swimming.”
According to the team, Vulcanoscaptor ninoti was part of the Scaropini tribe, which includes moles found today in parts of North America and Asia.
This finding from the Pliocene of Europe indicates a more complicated evolutionary and paleogeographic scenario than previously believed.
“Our explanation of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti confirms that the evolutionary history of moles is far more dynamic than previously understood, suggesting possible intercontinental dispersion and a greater anatomical diversity than previously acknowledged,” said one of the authors.
“It also emphasizes the significance of exceptional fossil sites in preserving species that are rarely found in the fossil record, like small mammals.”
“Despite its distinct fossil morphology, this mole shares close ties with present-day North American species from the genera Scapanus and Scaropas, indicating a more intricate evolutionary history than we previously assumed,” added Dr. Juliolio.
“Its presence in Europe points to past transcontinental migration of moles, challenging the notion that they are low-dispersive mammals.”
The team’s paper was published this month in the journal Scientific Reports.
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A. Linares-Martín et al. 2025. Unexpected scalopinimols (mammals) from the Pliocene of Europe shed light on thalpido phylogeny. Sci Rep 15, 24928; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-10396-1
Chinese paleontologists have uncovered the fossilized skeleton of the colossal Mamenchisaurus dinosaurs, heralding a remarkable new genus from the late Jurassic epoch.
Fossil remains of Tongnanlong Zhimingi. Image credit: Wei et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-09796-0.
The newly identified species inhabited southwestern China approximately 147 million years ago (late Jurassic epoch).
Scientifically designated as Tongnanlong Zhimingi, this sauropod dinosaur measured around 23-28 m (75.5-92 feet) in length.
“Sauropods are enormous, herbivorous quadrupeds and represent the largest terrestrial dinosaurs that ever existed,” remarked Dr. Xuefang Wei, a researcher from the Western Center for China Geological Survey.
“They first appeared in the late Triassic period, spread globally by the Middle Jurassic, and ultimately went extinct at the end of the late Cretaceous period.”
More than 150 genera have been documented, including over 20 genera from the Jurassic period within China.
“Southwest China is a significant area for Jurassic sauropod discoveries, particularly in the Sichuan Basin,” they added.
The sauropod fauna found in the Jurassic Sichuan Basin was once considered an endemic population distinct from the terrestrial fauna of Pangaea.
This distribution was often explained by the East Asian seclusion hypothesis, suggested to have occurred between the Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods.
However, this hypothesis faces challenges from recent phylogenetic analyses conducted in China, as well as the discovery of Neosaurupod dinosaurs, including a Mamenchisaur dinosaur found in Africa.
The holotype specimen of Tongnanlong Zhimingi was excavated from a construction site in the Dongnan district of the Chonging region within the Sichuan Basin.
This includes three dorsal vertebrae, six caudal vertebrae, scapulae, coracoids, and hind limb bones.
“Our fieldwork indicates that the fossil site belongs to the upper part of the Jurassic. The Monitor formations are situated above Quaternary sediments,” noted the paleontologist.
“The Sorning Formation is composed of purple-red mudstone and sandstone.”
“The layer is rich in invertebrate fossils, including various freshwater Conchostracans, particularly ostracods and stone trails.”
Several vertebrates are identified from this layer, such as fish Ceratodus szechuanensis, turtle Plesiochelys Tatsuensis, and dinosaurs like Mamenchisaurus anyuensis.
Anatomical and phylogenetic studies affirmed that Tongnanlong Zhimingi is part of the sauropod dinosaur family Mamenchisauridae.
“Mamenchisauridae was not a fauna confined to East Asia, but rather had a global distribution during the late Jurassic period,” the researchers concluded.
“Tongnanlong Zhimingi enhances the diversity of Eusauraupods and offers new insights into sauropod diversity and evolutionary developments from the mid-Jurassic to the Late Jurassic as they increased in size.”
Their study was published in the journal Scientific Reports on July 10th.
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X. Wei et al. 2025. New Mamenchisaurus discoveries monitoring the Upper Jurassic formations in the Sichuan Basin, China and their implications for sauropod gigantism. Sci Rep 15, 24808; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-09796-0
Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized teeth from a newly identified genus and species of plagioclase polyuria in the lower Cretaceous Luluworth Formation within the Purbeck Group in Dorset, England.
Artist’s depiction of Nova Cradon Mirabilis. Image credit: Hamzah Imran.
Multi-liquids represent a highly successful and diverse group of Mesozoic mammals.
Over 200 species have been documented, ranging in size from that of a mouse to a beaver.
These mammals thrived during the Central Jurassic throughout the Mesozoic Era, even surviving the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous, which led to the early, sparsely populated neural period.
They adapted to various ecological niches, from living in dens to climbing like squirrels.
The newly identified species existed during the Beliasia period in the pre-Cretaceous Epoch, around 143 million years ago.
Dubbing it Nova Cradon Mirabilis, this mammal was omnivorous, likely consuming small invertebrates like worms and insects.
Its sharp incisors and distinct, blade-like premolars demonstrate feeding strategies that differ from those of modern rodents such as squirrels and rats.
“This study illustrates how early mammals established their ecological roles while dinosaurs dominated the Earth,” remarked Professor David Martill from the University of Portsmouth and his colleagues.
The 1.65 cm jaw of Nova Cradon Mirabilis was discovered in 2024 by undergraduate Benjamin Weston at the University of Portsmouth.
“The fossil showcases long, pointed incisors at the front, followed by a gap and then four sharp premolars,” the paleontologist stated.
“While it superficially resembles a rabbit’s jaw, the pointed incisors and unique premolars clearly link it to the multi-iron group.”
The specimens were found at the upper beach area of Dalston Bay, Dorset, England.
This location is part of the Luluworth Formation from the Lower Cretaceous period of the Purbeck group.
“The new specimen is the most complete multi-iron structure found in the Purbeck group,” the researchers noted.
“The fossils were extracted from a distinctive layer in the so-called freshwater bed, specifically the flint bed, which scientists believe indicates deposition within freshwater lagoons.”
“Nova Cradon Mirabilis is also the first mammal recovered from the flint bed,” they added.
The discovery of Nova Cradon Mirabilis is detailed in a paper published in the Proceedings of the Geologists Association.
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Benjamin T. Weston et al. A new polyiron tube (mammal, Arosaria) from the Luluworth Formation (Cretaceous, Beliasian) in Dorset, England. Proceedings of the Geologists Association Published online on July 9, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101128
Paleontologists have identified a new species from the Ankylosaurus dinosaur genus Zhongyuansaurus, using specimens discovered in Henan Province, China.
Reconstructing the life of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.
Ankylosaurids (Antirosaurididae) were a group of herbivorous tetrapods known for their sturdy, scute-covered bodies, distinct armor, leaf-shaped teeth, and club-like tails.
The earliest and most renowned ankylosaurid dates back to approximately 122 million years ago, while the last species went extinct around 66 million years ago during the mass extinction event.
The newly recognized species belongs to a previously monospecific genus of Ankylosaurus called Zhongyuansaurus.
It is named Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi and lived in the region now known as China.
Fossils were collected from the upper section of the Haoling Formation in Zhongwa village, Henan Province, China.
“The fossils are preserved within an area of about 9 m.2,” noted Dr. Ji Min Chang from the Henan Museum of Natural History.
“They are fragmented and show no overlapping preservation, indicating they belong to a single individual.”
“The specimen includes one right mandible, 14 free caudal vertebrae, seven fused terminal caudal vertebrae forming a rod-like structure, four ribs, one left humerus, one elongated metatarsal, and 41 osteoblasts of varying sizes and shapes.”
The right lower jaw of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Zhang et al., doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037.
Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi exhibits a unique autapomorphy, featuring at least five caudal armor plates arranged in a distinct shiny pattern resembling a swallow shape.
“Furthermore, it has a relatively slender mandible compared to the more robust mandibles found in advanced Ankylosaurina,” the paleontologist added.
“The anterior tip of the coronoid process differentiates it from Chamosaurus, extending only into the last two alveoli.”
“The distal caudal vertebrae are decorated with small osteoblasts, and the humerus has a shaft proportion enclosed within 0.46, distinguishing it from Zhongyuansaurus luoyangensis.”
“The discovery of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi provides new insights into the evolution of ankylosaurs in the lower Cretaceous layers of Ruyang and enhances the species diversity within the Ruyang Dinosaur Fauna,” the researchers concluded.
Their paper was published in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Sinica.
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Ji-Ming Zhang et al. 2025. New ankylosaur material from the lower Cretaceous period in the Luyan Basin, Henan Province. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 64(1): 60-73; doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037
Herpetologists have identified three new species of the Frog genus Pristimantis from the rugged, misty highlands of northwest Peru.
Pristimantis Chinguelas. Image credits: Chavez et al. , doi: 10.3897/evolsyst.9.148522.
To date, 619 species have been documented. Pristimantis is recognized as the most diverse group of amphibians.
This genus spans Central and South America, showcasing the highest diversity within the tropical Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
The newly discovered species include Pristimantis Chinguelas, Pristimantis Nunezcortezi, and Pristimantis Yonke.
“They are small and elusive,” remarked Dr. Jamen Chavez, a herpetologist at the Peruano de Herpetrogia Institute and the Centro de Ornitrogia y Biodiversidad.
“These frogs serve as significant reminders of the unknown aspects of the Andes,” he added.
All three species inhabit the páramo of the mountain ridge north of Abra de Portuilla, the lowest east-west route in the Peruvian Andes, along with the adjacent Elphin forest.
“Pristimantis Chinguelas is found on the cliffs of Cello Chinlinga, characterized by bodies accented with large, prominent nodules on each side. Their high-pitched calls resonate on damp nights,” the researcher noted.
“Pristimantis Chinguelas resides near a stream in the cool mountains of the regenerated forest. Its distinct black spots in the x-fossa and groin have been named in honor of ornithologist Elio Nuñez Cortez, a trailblazer for conservation efforts in the region.”
“Pristimantis Chinguelas, the smallest of the trio, was discovered amidst bromeliads at an elevation of about 3,000 m.”
“Exploring this area goes beyond fieldwork—it’s about immersing oneself in the wilderness, culture, and resilience,” shared Dr. Karen Victoriano Siguenas from the Institutes of Herpetrogia and Centro de Ornitrogia Biodiversidad.
“Many of these mountain ridges are isolated, lacking roads or featuring extreme terrain,” stated Dr. Ivan Wong, another herpetologist at the Herpetrogia Institute.
“Weather conditions can change dramatically within minutes, and the steep cliffs create significant challenges for every step taken.”
“It’s no surprise that very few scientists ventured into this region before,” he added, “which is precisely why so many discoveries remain to be made.”
The three new species are currently categorized as Data Deficient under IUCN standards, with scientists noting signs of habitat degradation, fire damage, and agricultural expansion.
“Cordilera de Juancabamba represents not just a remote region, but also a living archive of biodiversity and cultural heritage,” remarked Dr. Wilmer Aznaran, a forensic physician at Peruano de Herpetrogia and Centro de Ornitrogia Biodiversidad.
“We have barely scratched the surface of these riches.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Evolutionary Phylogenetics.
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G. Chavez et al. 2025. Above: Three new species of terrestrial breeding frogs (Anura, Terrarana, Pristimantis) from the highlands of Cordillera de Juancabamba in northwest Peru. Evolutionary Phylogenetics 9(1):145-166; doi:10.3897/evolsyst.9.148522
Paleontologists have discovered a new genus and species of medium-sized Paleasaurus, identified from two fossilized specimens found in China in 2018.
Artist Reconstruction Yinshanosaurus angustus. Image credit: X.-C. Guo, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleontology.
The newly recognized species, Yinshanosaurus angustus, existed during the latest Permian period, around 259 to 254 million years ago.
These ancient creatures were part of Paleiasauria, a distinct group of herbivorous tetrapods that thrived across the Supercontinent Pangaea during the Middle Permian.
“Pareiasauria was a bizarre quadrupedal herbivorous clade present during the Guadalpian and Ropingian epochs, significantly impacted by both the late Capitanian and Permian mass extinction events,” stated the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology.
“Fossils of Pareiasauria have been discovered globally, spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America.”
“Pareiasaurus served as a primary herbivorous consumer within various terrestrial tetrapod faunas, including those from the late Permian in northern China.”
“Since the 1960s, eight species of Chinese Paleasaurus have been documented.”
Two significant specimens—a partial post-skull skeleton with a nearly complete skull and another partial skeleton—were excavated in China in 2018.
“The first specimen was found in a dark purple siltstone layer of the Sunjiagou Formation, near Zhangjiage Tuo Village in Bird County, Shanghai,” reported the paleontologist.
“The second specimen was located in purple silty mudstone at the upper section of Member I of the Naobaogou Formation near Qiandian Village in the Siguai district of Baotou, Inner Mongolia.”
According to the researchers, Yinshanosaurus angustus features the narrowest skull of all Pareiasaurus species, with a length over twice its width at the lateral edge of the cheek.
“With the skeleton of Yinshanosaurus angustus, we present the complete skull and detailed post-cranial structure of this Chinese Pareiasaurus for the first time,” they emphasized.
Their study was published this month in the journal Paleontology Papers.
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Jian Yi & Jun Liu. 2025. Tetrapod fauna of the Upper Permian Naobagou Formation in China: A new medium-sized Pareiasaurus Yinshanosaurus angustus and its implications for the phylogenetic relationship of Pareiasaurus. Paleontology Papers 11(3): E70020; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70020
Members of the genus Metatherian Swaindelphys were previously identified in the Swain Quarry in southern Wyoming and the Nasimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, and are now also found in the Black Peaks Formation in West Texas.
Reconstructing the life of Swaindelphys. Image credit: Kristen Tietjen.
The newly identified species thrived in Texas during the Ale-Nocene period, around 60 million years ago.
It has been designated Swaindelphys Solastella; these animals were significantly larger than related species, yet still about the size of a modern hedgehog.
It belonged to Metatherian, a group encompassing living marsupials and their extinct relatives.
“We’ve dedicated a lot of effort to uncovering this world,” remarked Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas.
Fossil remains of Swaindelphys Solastella were uncovered in the Black Peak Formation within Big Bend National Park, West Texas.
“The earliest fossil mammals from the Big Bend during the Ale Holocene epoch were initially documented decades ago,” stated Professor Chris Beard of the University of Kansas.
“However, our mission is to uncover some of the smaller, more elusive fossil mammals that inhabited Big Bend during that era.”
“The new fossil we are describing holds significance as it represents the largest marsupial ever identified from the Ale Holocene in North America, in terms of body size.”
“This isn’t surprising considering that everything tends to be larger in Texas.”
The distribution patterns of Swaindelphys may provide insights into the natural features and barriers that limited the geographical spread of species during this time, including early primates.
“During the Ale New Century, the climate would have been warmer, likely leaning towards tropical,” Miller explained.
“Instead of the desert landscape seen today, there would have been more vegetation, possibly alongside numerous rivers and streams.”
“These fossils are found in what are referred to as river sediments, stemming from ancient river systems.”
The discovery of Swaindelphys Solastella is detailed in a paper released this month in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Kristen Miller et al. Implications of biogeographical and biostratigraphic novel species. Swaindelphys (Mammals, Metatheria) from the Black Peaks Formation, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on June 17th, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2500501
Deep within the shadowy oceans, a variety of curious and enigmatic creatures inhabit the depths, such as the frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus), which has been known for over a century, yet much of its lifestyle remains elusive.
We gain insight into their appearance through the occasional specimens caught in deep-sea fishing nets across the globe.
These sharks typically measure about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length, with smooth, tube-like brown or gray bodies and dorsal fins positioned lower on their backs, close to the tail of their elongated form.
The most peculiar characteristic is found at the front end. The frilled shark possesses six prominent gill slits, exceeding the number found in most other sharks.
Indeed, there are five other known species in the frilled shark taxonomic order, Hexanchiformes, which include the Sixgill and Seven Gill sharks.
The name “frilled shark” derives from the unique ruffled edges of its gill slits, with the extended tips of the gill filaments visible.
The first pair of gill slits connects beneath the throat, resembling a lacy collar.
Moreover, their mouths are larger, akin to those of lizards, compared to typical sharks. Inside, they feature a series of three-pronged teeth resembling tiny tridents.
Studies of the stomach contents from rare specimens reveal that frilled sharks employ their three-pronged teeth to capture soft-bodied squid.
They are also reported to occasionally consume fish and other shark species. Unlike many sharks, pregnant female frilled sharks do not lay eggs; rather, the eggs hatch internally.
The newborn sharks begin life as embryos, attached to egg yolks, which serve as a nutritional source during their development.
Photos of the frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) were taken in collaboration with the University of the Zoological Museum in Hamburg. – Photo credit: Aramie
One mystery that remains unsolved is the duration of their pregnancy. If other deep-sea sharks are indicative, it could take several years before a frilled shark pup emerges into the ocean.
Often mischaracterized as “living fossils,” frilled sharks garnered significant attention in 2022 after a viral video showcased rare footage of live frilled sharks in Japan, prompting news outlets worldwide to clarify misconceptions.
These creatures likely exist for decades.
However, it is indeed true that the oldest known fossils of frilled sharks date back to the late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago, displaying surprisingly little change through time.
The fossils indicate that the ancestors of frilled sharks exhibited similar deep-sea swimming behaviors.
This suggests that these unusual-looking sharks have been gracefully navigating the oceans with their snake-like bodies for millions of years, and although their young are rarely observed, they continue to thrive today.
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Giant pink star larvae resumed development after freezing at -200°C
Patrick Webster
In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have successfully frozen and revived sea star larvae, marking a significant advance in conservation efforts aimed at restoring an endangered keystone species.
Since 2013, Coastal Star Wasting Syndrome has been devastating populations of sunflower stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides) and giant pink stars (Pisaster brevispinus) along the North American west coast. The decline of these predators has resulted in a major surge in sea urchins, decimating 97% of the kelp forests in Northern California.
Currently, the sunflower star is considered functionally extinct in California, sparking extensive efforts to cultivate these creatures for eventual reintroduction into their natural habitat.
In January 2025, a giant pink star was birthed at the Pacific Aquarium in Long Beach, California. Just two days later, its larvae were dispatched to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where they were immersed in liquid nitrogen and stored at -200°C. The following month, they were transported approximately 700 kilometers north to the Sunflower Star Institute in Monterey Bay.
Upon careful thawing, the giant pink star larvae resumed their development, settling on the seabed and transitioning into a boy shape. “No one has ever successfully frozen a sea star at the larval stage and achieved this,” researchers noted.
Sunflower Stars play an important role in the Kelp forest ecosystem
Pat Webster
The successful cultivation of cryopreserved larvae represents a significant milestone for conservationists, as it opens up avenues for reintroducing genetically diverse sunflower stars back into California’s waters. “The larval cycle of the giant pink star closely resembles that of the sunflower stars,” explained Bank, “after which we will move forward with sunflower star rearing.”
Over the past 15 years, marine ecosystems in the North Pacific have faced a growing tide of environmental challenges. “It’s a daunting narrative involving climate change, ocean heat waves, and ecosystem collapse,” remarked Andrew Kim from the Sunflower Star Institute. “However, within Pycnopodia, there lies hope for recovery.”
The newly discovered tyrannosaurid species, scientifically named Khankhuulu Mongoliensis, is recognized as the most notable ancestor of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Khankhuulu Mongoliensis. Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.
Khankhuulu Mongoliensis roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period approximately 86 million years ago.
This dinosaur was a medium-sized, swift predator that emerged after the extinction of other large predatory dinosaurs.
As the most famed ancestor, it exhibited numerous similarities with the later Tyrannosaurus descendants.
Resembling the size of a horse (750 kg), Khankhuulu Mongoliensis was two to three times smaller than its colossal descendants.
It featured small rudimentary horns that evolved into more significant attributes in species like Albertosaurus or Golgosaurus, likely used for mating displays and intimidation.
Characterized by a long, shallow skull, Khankhuulu Mongoliensis lacked the bone-crushing capabilities seen in Tyrannosaurus Rex.
This new species can be likened to mesopredators, similar to modern coyotes, utilizing speed and agility to capture prey.
“Khankhuulu Mongoliensis offers invaluable insights into the early stages of Tyrannosaurus evolution. We’ve observed numerous intriguing challenges in their evolutionary history,” remarked Jared Voris, a paleontologist at the University of Calgary.
Two partial skeletons of Khankhuulu Mongoliensis were discovered in the Baiansily Formation in southeastern Mongolia during 1972 and 1973.
Analysis of the specimens indicates that this new species is a close relative of the dinosaur group eutyrannosauria, serving as a direct ancestor to the giant, long-snouted tyrannosaurs and the shallower-nosed Ariolamini clade.
“Khankhuulu Mongoliensis or closely related species likely migrated from Asia to North America approximately 85 million years ago,” stated Dr. Darla Zelenitsky, Ph.D. from the University of Calgary.
“Our findings suggest that a large-scale tyrannosaur was the first to evolve in North America due to this immigration event.”
“The results indicate that the migratory patterns of tyrannosaurs between Asia and North America were less frequent and more erratic than previously understood.”
“Khankhuulu Mongoliensis or its relatives crossed the land bridge into North America, eventually evolving into the iconic apex predator, Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The fossil record indicates that Tyrannosaurus was exclusive to North America for millions of years before its lineage split in Asia, leading to two distinct groups.
One lineage evolved into larger apex predators, ultimately resulting in Tyrannosaurus Rex, while another developed into medium-sized, elongated species dubbed Pinocchiolex.
The discovery of Khankhuulu Mongoliensis is detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.
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JT Voris et al. The evolution of the new Mongolian tyrannosaur and Euthiranosaur. Nature published online on June 11th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08964-6
Paleontologists have discovered peptide markers for three extinct Australian megafauna. This breakthrough facilitates research on creatures such as hippo-sized wombats, colossal kangaroos, and marsupials with enormous claws, aiding our understanding of the series of enigmatic extinctions that took place 50,000 years ago and the potential role of humans in these events.
“The geographical distribution and extinction timeline of Australia’s megafauna, along with their interaction with early modern humans, are subjects of intense debate,” commented Professor Katerina Dorca from the University of Vienna.
“The limited fossil finds at various paleontological sites across Australia complicate the testing of hypotheses regarding the extinction of these animals,” added Dr. Kali Peters, Ph.D., of the University of Algarbe.
“Using ZooMS (Zoo departments by mass spectrometry) can aid in increasing the number of identified megafauna fossils, provided that collagen peptide markers for these species are accessible.”
Through the analysis of peptides in collagen samples, researchers can differentiate between various animal species, occasionally even distinguishing among different variants.
Collagen proves to be more resilient than DNA, making this method effective in tropical conditions where DNA may not endure.
However, most reference markers originate from Eurasian species that are not found elsewhere.
This study aims to develop new reference markers tailored for Australian contexts, enhancing the understanding gleaned from the fragmented fossil records of Australia.
“Proteins tend to endure better over extensive time periods and in harsh environments compared to DNA,” noted Dr. Peters.
“Thus, in studying megafauna extinction, proteins might still be preserved even in the absence of DNA.”
The research focused on three species crucial for comprehending megafauna extinction: Zygomaturus trilobus, Palorchestes Azael, and Protemnodon Mamkurra.
Zygomaturus trilobus and Palorchestes Azael belong to a lineage of animals that vanished entirely during the late Quaternary period, while Protemnodon Mamkurra survived long enough to likely coexist with humans arriving in Tasmania.
Scientists previously dated fossilized bones from one species back over 43,000 years.
“Zygomaturus trilobus was among the largest marsupials that ever lived, appearing much like a hippo-sized wombat,” said Professor Douka.
“Protemnodon Mamkurra was a massive, sluggish kangaroo that might have occasionally walked on all fours.”
“Palorchestes Azael was a uniquely shaped marsupial with a distinctive nose and long tongue, powerful forelimbs, and a skull equipped with large claws.”
“If ancient continents connected early modern humans to what we now know as Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania 55,000 years ago, they would have encountered astonishing creatures.”
The researchers eliminated contaminants and compared peptide markers using reference markers.
The collagen in all three samples was well-preserved, enabling the identification of appropriate peptide markers for each species.
With these markers, paleontologists successfully differentiated Protemnodon from five living genera and one extinct genus of kangaroo.
They could also differentiate Zygomaturus and Palorchestes as these two species couldn’t be distinguished from other large extinct marsupials.
This is common in ZooMS, given that collagen changes accumulate slowly over millions of years of evolution.
Unless further studies enhance specificity, these markers are most effective at identifying bones at the genus level rather than the species level.
Nevertheless, Zoom’s ability to distinguish genera from temperate regions presents opportunities to try and identify bones from tropical regions, where closely related species may feature similar or identical peptide markers, since DNA preservation is rare in these environments.
“The introduction of newly developed collagen peptide markers allows us to identify a multitude of megafauna remains in Australia’s paleontological collections,” stated Dr. Peters.
“Yet, many more species still require characterization through collagen peptide markers.”
“For instance, Diprotodon, the largest marsupial genus ever known, and Thylacoleo, the largest marsupial predator.”
The team’s findings will be published in the journal Frontiers in Mammal Science.
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Kari Peters et al. 2025. Collagen peptide markers from three Australian megafauna species. Front. Mammal. Sci. 4; doi:10.3389/fmamm.2025.1564287
Paleontologists have discovered a new genus and species of the small Lamboosaurin hadrosaur dinosaur from two fossilized jaws unearthed in Morocco.
Artist Reconstruction of Tareta Tareta. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge.
Tareta Tareta thrived in what is now Morocco during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.
“The Cretaceous era marked the later stages of the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and featured elevated eustatic sea levels,” stated Bass University paleontologist Nicholas Longrich, along with colleagues from Spain, France, and Morocco.
“Consequently, the continents became fragmented, resulting in a series of isolated island continents, which led to the evolution of distinct dinosaur faunas in various regions of the world.”
“Asia and North America were primarily inhabited by Ornisicchians of Hadrosaurid and Serratopsia, while Tyrannosaurus theropods were the apex predators.”
“In the Southern Hemisphere, titanosaurs were the leading herbivores, and Abelisaurus theropods were the top theropods.”
“Although geographic isolation played a significant role in shaping biogeographic patterns, recent findings emphasize that dispersal was also crucial, especially towards the end of the Cretaceous.”
The two related jaws of Tareta Tareta were found in Maastrichtian phosphate deposits at the top of Morocco.
“The phosphates in the Ouradubdoon Basin, situated in central Morocco, are composed of a mix of phosphate sand, marshes, and limestone in a shallow marine setting where the North Atlantic Ocean extended inland to cover much of Morocco,” the paleontologist explained.
“These phosphates date back to the Maastrichtian era (approximately 720,000 – 66 million years ago).”
Lambeosaurin dinosaurs were numerous in Morocco, with at least three species coexisting. Image credit: Longrich et al., doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2025.05.006.
Tareta Tareta is classified under the Lambeosaurine tribe Arensaurini, marking the total count of Arenasaurulin species identified in Moroccan phosphates at three.
“This first hadrosaurus discovery from Maastrichtian phosphate in Morocco, Ajinavia Odysseus, despite being isolated by the ocean, indicates hadrosaurus dispersion across Africa during the late Cretaceous,” noted the researchers.
“The close relationship of Ajinavia within Arenysaurini, known solely from Armorica, suggests that this clade was dispersed from southern Europe.”
“Following that, the second Arenysaurin, Mincaria Bata, was reported from the same period.”
“The jaw and tooth structure of Mincaria Bata differs significantly from that of Ajinavia, indicating a distinct niche specialization.”
“A related upper jaw of a small duck-like dinosaur was recently identified alongside phosphates.”
“Interestingly, neither of these specimens can be connected to Ajinavia or Mincaria. Instead, they signify the third distinct genus and species.”
“The notable variation observed in the jaws and teeth of arenasaurins in Africa points towards adaptive radiation driven by dispersal. Lamboosaurins seem to have rapidly diversified to exploit a new niche after migrating from Europe to North Africa,” they concluded.
“This African radiation aligns with the decline of Lamboosaurins in North America, underscoring the highly localized nature of dinosaur evolution.”
The team’s paper has been published in the journal Gondwana’s Study.
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Nicholas R. Longrich et al. A new hadrosaurus from the late Maastrichtian phosphate in Morocco provides insights into radiation in African Lambeosaurin. Gondwana’s Study, published online on May 28, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2025.05.006
A newly identified genus and species of the Eusauropod dinosaur has been discovered from a fossilized partial skeleton, which includes almost complete skulls, located in Ganshu province, China.
Skull of niedu in side view. Image credits: Li et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5.
The newly recognized dinosaur species existed during the mid-Jurassic period, roughly 165 million years ago.
Named niedu, it is an early representative of the long-necked, exclusively herbivorous dinosaurs known as Eusauropoda.
“Sauropod dinosaurs, which are massive herbivores from the early Jurassic to the late Cretaceous period, have been found across all continents,” stated Dr. Ning Li, a researcher at a Chinese university of Earth Sciences.
“Due to global warming events occurring during the Late Jurassic, Eusauropod has become the sole surviving sauropod lineage.”
“In the middle and late Jurassic, non-neosauropods thrived, including taxa like Schnosaurus, Omeisaurus, and core forms of Mamenchisaurus.
Fossils of niedu were gathered from the base of the Xinhe Formation near Jinchan city in Gansu province, northwestern China.
The specimen comprises five cervical vertebrae and nearly complete mandibles, alongside 29 distinct caudal vertebrae.
The skull of niedu measures approximately 31 cm in length and 12.5 cm in height.
A sauropod dinosaur being chased by two carnivorous dinosaurs. Image credit: Lida Xing.
“Finding a well-preserved skull is uncommon in non-neosauropod eusauropods due to their fragility,” the paleontologist noted.
“The skull of niedu is exceptionally well maintained and nearly complete.”
“However, the left side of the skull shows deformation due to internal compression.”
“Most cranial sutures are clearly visible on niedu,” they added.
According to the researchers, niedu marks the earliest sauropod discovered in Gansu province.
“niedu is significant,” they concluded.
“We also present more information that enhances our understanding of sauropod evolutionary history in northwestern China.”
The paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports on May 23rd.
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N. Li et al. 2025. A new Eusauropod (dinosaurs, sauropods) from the central Jurassic in China. Sci Rep 15, 17936; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5
Traskasaura Sandrae, a 12 m long Erasmosaurus (a type of plesiosaurus) that inhabited the Cretaceous Sea 85 million years ago, showcases an unusual combination of primitive and advanced traits, setting it apart from other Erasmosaurus. This distinctive set of adaptations enabled the marine reptile to hunt its prey from above.
Traskasaura Sandrae. Image credit: O’Keefe et al., doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938.
The first Traskasaura fossil was unearthed in 1988 within late Cretaceous strata in the Haslam Formation on Vancouver Island, Canada.
Since then, additional fossils have been excavated from the same layers, including isolated right humeri, as well as components of the chest, guard bones, limbs, and a preserved juvenile skeleton.
Initially described in 2002, the fossil gained recent prominence when it was adopted as the official crest fossil of British Columbia.
“Fossils of Prisiosaurus have been recognized in British Columbia for decades,” states Professor F. Robin O’Keefe from Marshall University.
“Nevertheless, despite its designation as a fossil in 2023, the identity of the organisms that produced it has remained enigmatic.”
“Our recent research published today will finally clarify this enigma.”
“I comprehend the scientific uncertainty surrounding this taxa.”
“It exhibits an odd mix of primitive and advanced features. Notably, the shoulders are unlike any other plesiosaur I’ve encountered, and I’ve seen quite a few.”
With the naming of Traskasaura Sandrae, the Pacific Northwest can finally claim a distinct Mesozoic reptile.”
“Thus, this area, known for its rich contemporary marine biodiversity, was once home to a variety of extraordinary marine reptiles from the dinosaur age.”
In the original description of the fossil in 2002, experts were hesitant to classify a new genus based solely on the discovered adult Erasmosaurus skeleton.
The skeletal remains presented a relatively limited number of discernible traits.
However, the newly discovered, well-preserved partial skeleton allowed the research team to illuminate much about the Erasmosaurus morphology found in the Pantledge River, ultimately categorizing it as a new genus and species.
Traskasaura Sandrae possessed a notably lengthy neck, with at least 36 well-preserved cervical vertebrae, comprising at least 50 bones in total.
“And there is no significant knowledge yet; Traskasaura Sandrae boasts an impressive array of autodynamic bones that exhibit its strong ability to swim downward,” remarked Professor O’Keefe.
“This peculiar blend of features is linked to its hunting techniques. It utilizes this capability for descending swimming to ambush its prey from above.”
“The prey included abundant ammonites known from the region.”
Survey results will be published in Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.
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F. Robin O’Keefe et al. 2025. Taxonomy of a remarkable new Erasmosaurus from the Santonian of Vancouver Island: British Columbia’s official province fossil name. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 23 (1); doi:10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938
The Carnarvon Flapjack, known scientifically as opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, is a newly identified species of octopus. This small, gelatinous octopus measures approximately 4 cm in diameter and features large eyes and vibrant blood-red tentacles.
The Flapjack Octopus belongs to the Opistrotidae family, making it a deep-sea octopod and part of the finned octopod sub-order known for its liver-like characteristics.
Globally, around 50 species are recognized, with 15 of them recorded in Australian waters.
These octopuses have the remarkable ability to flatten their bodies resembling pancakes or flapjacks, hence their common name, or they can appear as small, gelatinous umbrellas.
With disproportionately large eyes, they are well-equipped to spot prey in the dimly lit depths they inhabit.
Their diet mainly consists of worms and small crustaceans, which they catch using their tentacles.
Dr. Tristan Werhev, a systematic taxonomist from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, stated, “The octopods of the Opistrotidae family are characterized by a distinct combination of external and internal features.”
He further described their anatomy, noting, “The very short dome-like mantle and terminal fins look visually different compared to their proportionately large eyes and thick arms.”
“Internally, they have branched optic nerves and an inner shell reminiscent of leaves (Gradius remnant). These features are shared only with the Cirroctopodidae family, which differs by having relatively large fins, no enlarged male suckers, and unique pallial intubation.”
Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis is the 10th and latest species described based on specimens collected during the 2022 voyage of the Research Vessel (RV) Investigator.
During the month-long expedition, researchers employed advanced cameras, nets, and sleds to gather samples and capture images from deep-sea environments thousands of meters below the surface.
Five specimens used for the species description were collected from depths ranging between 1,044 and 1,510 m near Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks in Western Australia.
Dr. Venetia Joscelyne, a researcher at CSIRO Marine National Facilities, stated, “The 2022 voyage off Western Australia was crucial for enhancing our understanding of the region’s undersea habitats and biodiversity.”
She added, “For the first time, Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Park have been meticulously mapped and explored down to over 5,000 meters.”
“Conducting research in remote offshore or deep-sea environments is typically challenging; the RV Investigator provides researchers with an impressive array of tools for this purpose.”
“During just this single research voyage, we have observed many new species being identified.”
“Incredibly, scientists estimate that more than 1,000 new species remain to be described from specimens collected during RV Investigator voyages over the past decade.”
“These findings are crucial for aiding our understanding of the conservation needs of marine parks and for helping Australia preserve the natural value of its marine environments in the future.”
Dr. Verhoeff noted, “Australia exhibits a higher biodiversity of Dumbo octopus species compared to other nations, with many of these species documented or described in recent years.”
“The Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus is named after the location of its discovery and is solely known from the Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks off the coast of northwest Australia.”
“Their presence enhances the ecological significance of these recently established marine parks.”
“Such discoveries have greatly contributed to our knowledge of Australia’s deep-sea ecology and biodiversity.”
“Describing new species is also vital for future ecological research and assessing conservation populations.”
Dr. Lisa Kilkendale, a researcher at the Western Australian Museum, pointed out that a paper detailing the discovery was published this month in Australian Taxonomy.
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TJ Verhoeff. 2025. Flapjack Australia’s Octopod (Cephalopoda: opisthoteuthidae), Part II: Northwest Australia and adjacent seas. Australian Taxonomy 92:1-28; doi:10.54102/ajt.c46g9
The recently identified species are part of the rare subgenus Bee Austrothil (genus) Megachil. These bees construct cells from skin within clusters of resin or tree bark, which are meticulously packed into twigs. Consequently, the author suggests “Pot Bee of Resin” as the common name for the bees in this subgenus.
Resin pot bee species Megachil (Austrothil) Tartoni. Image credit: David Pike.
Pot bees of resin are native to Australia, found across all states and territories except for Tasmania.
Dr. Remcoleis, a researcher at the Museum of South Australia, stated, “This group was previously believed to include seven species, with an additional 18 named in 1992.”
“Throughout the years, 23 more species were uncovered during field studies, including newly identified invertebrates and plant species found during various bushblitz investigations,” he added.
“Bush Blitz is a collaboration between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton, and Earthwatch Australia, aimed at recording the fauna and flora of select national reserves.”
“It also supports the identification of new species, allowing us to correlate newly collected specimens with existing species in Australia’s entomological collections.”
“This effort unveiled 20 more unidentified species residing in the collection, highlighting the significance of entomological collections as a source of discoveries.”
Dr. Katja Hogendoorn, a researcher at the University of Adelaide, remarked, “There is still much to learn about Australia’s critical role in honey production and pollination.”
“Despite the environmental and economic significance of native plants and crops as pollinators, the Australian bee fauna remains poorly understood.”
“An estimated one-third of bee species are yet to be documented scientifically, and insufficient funding for taxonomic research hinders the ability to assess conservation issues and take protective measures for native honeybees.”
“We may still lose a species we are unaware of.”
Currently, about 1,700 native bee species are recognized in Australia.
The research team discovered that there are 78 known species of resin pot bees, with almost half identified from a solitary location.
Dr. James Doley, a researcher at the University of Wollongong, stated, “We are diligently working to better our understanding of these species.”
“While the distribution of these species may be confined, there is a lack of sufficient information regarding their prevalence or population size.”
The findings appear in a new paper published in Australian Taxonomy.
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R. Rays et al. 2025. Australian resin pot honeybees, Megachil (Austrothil) (Megachilidae), description of a new species of 71. Australian Taxonomy 90:1-119; doi:10.54102/ajt.ek0f9
Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new genus and species of Balacromian Ikuchosaur, based on a fossilized skull found in the Agua de Maderos Formation in Portugal.
Gadusaurus Aqualigneus. Image credit: Pratas e Sousa et al., doi: 10.4202/app.01199.2024.
The newly identified species thrived in the early Jurassic oceans around 193 million years ago.
It has been scientifically designated as Gadusaurus Aqualigneus; this marine reptile is a small Ikchosaur, measuring approximately 2 m (6.6 feet) in length.
“Iktiosaurus was a group of Mesozoic reptiles renowned for their adaptation back to marine life,” explained Dr. Joan Platas et Sousa, a researcher from Nova de Lisboa University.
“These creatures existed from the early Triassic to the late Cretaceous, but early Jurassic fish fauna is most commonly found in the European fossil record.”
“While some western regions are rich in marine deposits, southern areas like the Iberian Peninsula (encompassing Portugal and Spain) have very few and fragmented records.”
The nearly complete skull of Gadusaurus Aqualigneus was found in a planarized state, measuring about 35.2 cm (13.9 inches) in length, in the Agua de Madeiros Formation in 2021.
“The specimens we analyzed were collected in mainland Portugal, specifically in the San Pedro de Moel area,” the paleontologist stated.
“The fossil block was located in the sands of Agua de Maderos Beach, at a stream marking the boundary between Marinha Grande and Alcobaza municipalities.”
“This region lies within the Lusitania Basin, which is situated on the passive margin of Western Iberia in the Atlantic, providing exceptional marine records from the Lower Jurassic,” they added.
“The Lusitania Basin is a long, narrow structure bordered to the east by the Iberia Massif and to the west by the Valiskan Berrenga Horst.”
“The basin’s development coincided with the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, displaying various sedimentary facies from the upper Triassic to the upper Cretaceous.”
Phylogenetic analysis places Gadusaurus Aqualigneus within the Ichthyosaur Clade Baracromia, part of the Neoichthyosaur and Parvipelvia Clades.
“This specimen represents the most complete and well-preserved remains of Uoshima described so far on the Iberian Peninsula,” the researchers noted.
“Moreover, it is the first new species of this marine reptile group documented in Iberia.”
“This specimen predates the Toarcian Marine Anoxia Event, which is believed to have affected the lifestyle of later Ichthiosaurus species.”
“It’s reasonable to assume that ecological events during this period may have similarly influenced the lifestyle of this type, though further studies are essential.”
The discovery of Gadusaurus Aqualigneus will be detailed in a new paper published online in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica.
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J. Platas E. Sousa et al. 2025. A new Ichaosaurus from the lower Jurassic of Portugal (Iberian Peninsula). Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 70(1):179-192; doi:10.4202/app.01199.2024
Mothra Fentoni resided in present-day Canada during the Cambrian period, approximately 506 million years ago.
Life reconstruction of Mothra Fentoni. Image credit: Daniel Dufour, Royal Ontario Museum.
Mothra Fentoni had a body similar in size to an index finger, featuring three eyes, distinctive articulated claws, a circular mouth lined with teeth, and a body adapted for swimming along its sides.
These features suggest that it belongs to the Radiodonta, the earliest diverging group of arthropods, including the well-known Anomalocaris canadensis, a one-meter-long predator that shared its habitat with Mothra Fentoni.
Nevertheless, this new species exhibited traits not observed in other radiodonts: regions of its abdomen resembling multiple segments at the rear.
“Mothra Fentoni is a fascinating example of evolutionary convergence with modern groups such as horseshoe crabs, wood lice, and insects, all sharing a series of segments that house respiratory organs at the rear,” stated Dr. Jo Moisiuk, a paleontology and geology curator at the Manitoba Museum and researcher at the Royal Ontario Museum.
“Radiodonts represent the first branch of arthropods on the evolutionary tree, providing crucial insights into the ancestral characteristics of the entire group,” explained Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron, Richard M. Ivy curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum.
“The newly discovered species emphasizes that these early arthropods were remarkably diverse and adapted in ways comparable to their modern counterparts.”
General overview of the form of Mothra Fentoni. Image credits: Joseph Moysiuk & Jean-Bernard Caron, doi: 10.1098/rsos.242122.
Sixty specimens of Mothra Fentoni were collected over nine field seasons from 1990 to 2022, primarily at the Raymond Quarry in Yoho National Park, with additional finds in the areas of Marble Canyon and Tokumm Creek in Kootenay National Park.
The specimens reveal details about internal anatomy, including aspects of the nervous, circulatory, and gastrointestinal systems.
“Very few fossil sites globally provide such in-depth insights into soft internal anatomy,” Dr. Caron noted.
“We can observe traces representing bundles of eyes responsible for image processing, similar to living arthropods. The details are remarkable.”
Rather than arteries and veins like those in humans, Mothra Fentoni possessed an “open” circulatory system, which circulated blood into a large internal cavity known as a lacuna.
These lacunae are preserved as reflective areas throughout the body, extending into the fossil’s swimming flap.
“The well-preserved lacuna in the circulatory system of Mothra Fentoni aids in interpreting similar, although less distinct, features observed in other fossils. Their classification remains contentious,” said Dr. Moisiuk.
“The widespread preservation of these structures confirms the ancient origins of this circulatory system type.”
The discovery of Mothra Fentoni is detailed in a study published today in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
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Joseph Moiszk and Jean Bernard Caron. 2025. Early evolutionary traits in arthropod tagmosis exemplified by the new radiodont from Burgess Shale. R. Soc. Open Sci 12(5): 242122; doi: 10.1098/rsos.242122
A newly discovered species fills the temporal gap between South American Herrerasaurus dinosaurs and their younger relatives in North America.
Reconstructing the life of Maleriraptor Kuttyi with the Unayasaurid Sauropodomorph Jaklapallisaurus asymmetric, both from the Norian Upper Maleri Formation in southern central India. Image credit: Márcio L. Castro.
Maleriraptor Kuttyi existed in present-day India during the Norian period of the Triassic, approximately 220 million years ago.
These ancient reptiles are part of the Herrerasauria, a small to medium-sized group of carnivorous animals that appeared in the fossil record around 228 million years ago and went extinct by the end of the Triassic period.
“Herrerasaurus is a representative of the earliest radiation of predatory dinosaurs,” stated Dr. Martin Ezcala, a paleontologist from the University of Birmingham and the Concejo Nacional de Investigative Sciences, alongside his museum colleagues.
“Previously, their records were predominantly limited to four nominal species found in the Norian Formation in the central area of Karnia in northwestern Argentina and the lower section of the Candelaria sequence in southern Brazil (dated 233-229 million years ago).”
“These species are bipedal, with a total length ranging from 1.2 to 6 m (3.9 to 19.7 feet).”
In particular, Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis stands out as the most abundant dinosaur in the lower third of the stratigraphic sequence of the Ischigualasto Formation within the region.
“The possibility of Herrerasaurus existing outside South America was first suggested in the mid-1990s with the discovery of Chindesaurus bryansmalli, from the Norian levels of the mid-upper Sinru formation in North America.”
Fossil materials of Maleriraptor Kuttyi were collected over 40 years ago from the Upper Maleri Formation in the Pramhitagodabari Valley, located about 1 km south of Anamam village in southern India.
“The Upper Maleri Formation where Maleriraptor Kuttyi was found is particularly significant in illuminating the early evolution of dinosaurs, as it retains a collection of dinosaurs that are slightly younger than the earliest radiation in Karnia,” remarked the paleontologist.
According to the research team, Maleriraptor Kuttyi provides the first evidence that Herrerasaurus also survived in Gondwana, related to the turnover of tetrapods in the early Norian period (227-220 million years ago), coinciding with the global extinction of a group of herbivorous alxaurmorph reptiles known as Linchaurus.
“The discovery of Maleriraptor Kuttyi indicates that Herrerasaurus persisted at least during the early Norians after the extinction event that wiped out Rinchaurus.”
“The presence of Herrerasaurus in the early Norians of India might be climatically influenced, as it suggests that India experienced different average annual temperatures and precipitation compared to North America’s Norian regions.”
“A more comparable paleoclimate between India and Southern North America might explain the presence of fauna components that are uncommon or absent in southern South America, such as phytosaurs, Herrerasaurus, Protopycnosaurus, and Marellisaurus alocotosaurus.”
“The deposition of the Upper Maleri Formation occurred shortly after the extinction event affecting Linchaurus, which is well-documented in the lower Maleri Formation.”
“The faunistic similarity between the Upper Maleri Formation and the upper section of the Brazilian Santa Maria Supersequence suggests they share a similar age, dating back to approximately 225 million years, which includes the presence of Unayasaurids.”
Thus, Maleriraptor Kuttyi helps bridge the early Norian gaps in the Herrerasaurus record.
The team’s paper has been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
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Martín D. Ezcurra et al. 2025. A new Herrerasaurus dinosaur from the Upper Triassic Upper Marelli Formation in southern India. R. Soc. Open SCI 12(5): 250081; doi: 10.1098/rsos.250081
Fossils of the giant rainforest tree Dryobalanops rappa have been found in Brunei (officially known as Brunei Darussalam), an island nation in Borneo. This discovery marks the first fossil evidence of a living, endangered tropical tree species, opening up new avenues for fossil research and underscoring the importance of Southeast Asian heritage and its preservation.
Leaf architecture from living (C, D, FH) compared to fossils (A, B, E) of Dryobalanops. Image credit: Wang et al, doi: 10.1002/ajb2.70036.
Locally referred to as Kapur Paya, Dryobalanops rappa is a tall tree species that exists today but is threatened with extinction in Borneo’s carbon-rich peatlands, including Brunei.
Fossil leaves estimated to be 2 million years old were uncovered in Kampong Rugh within the Chuton district of Brunei.
“This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the ancient history of Asian tropical wet forests,” noted researchers from Pennsylvania.
“We now have fossil evidence that this remarkable tree species has been integral to Borneo’s forests for millions of years, emphasizing its ecological significance and the urgency to protect its remaining habitats.”
According to Professor Peter Wilf of Pennsylvania, “Fossil records of wet tropical forests in Asia have been surprisingly limited compared to those in the Amazon and Africa.”
Paleontologists identified these fossils by examining the microscopic features of the preserved leaf cuticles, down to the cellular level of Dryobalanops rappa.
“Our findings underscore that these forests are not only thriving with biodiversity today but are also home to iconic tree species that have existed for millions of years,” Wang stated.
“Conservation efforts should not only focus on current species but also aim to preserve the ecological legacy that has endured over millennia.”
“The dominant tree family in Asian rainforests, the bi-pterocarps, plays a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity,” the researchers highlighted.
“However, these trees face increasing threats from deforestation and habitat loss.”
“By unveiling the deep historical roots of these trees, this discovery offers a fresh perspective on conservation strategies,” Wang added.
“These findings add a new dimension to conservation, as we strive to protect not only modern species but also ancient survivors that are pivotal to our ecosystem,” Wang concluded.
“This historical context makes both the endangered tree species and their habitats even more critical for conservation efforts.”
“Our research demonstrates how fossil evidence can inform conservation strategies for endangered species and ecosystems, grounded in their historical importance,” Professor Wilf remarked.
“Understanding the history of tropical forests is vital for conservation, especially as numerous key species face rapid decline.” Professor Wilf emphasized.
“Our discovery lays an essential historical foundation for the conservation of keystone trees in tropical Asia, particularly the rapidly diminishing bi-ptery species.”
Details of these findings are documented in a paper published in the American Journal of Botany.
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Teng-Xiang Wang et al. Fossils of the endemic giant dual-pterocarp species open a historic portal into Borneo’s disappearing rainforest. American Journal of Botany, published online on May 8, 2025. doi:10.1002/ajb2.70036
The Cicadidae family is among the most diverse insect families today. However, the fossil record of Cicadidae is notably sparse compared to the number of extant species. The recently discovered species, Eoplatypleura Messelensis, is not only one of the earliest Cicadidae fossils found on the Eurasian continent, but it also represents the oldest record of the subfamily CICADINAE globally.
Reconstruction of Eoplatypleura Messelensis. Image credit: Dinghua Yang.
Eoplatypleura Messelensis thrived in Europe approximately 47 million years ago during the Eocene period.
“The Cicada family is one of the most diverse groups of insects today,” states Dr. Sonja Wedmann, a paleontologist at the Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt/Main.
“Despite this, the fossil record is quite limited compared to the many modern species.”
“The Platypleurini group within this family is particularly noteworthy, containing numerous species with wide distributions and unique traits.”
“For the first time, we have described a fossil from this Cicada group.”
Two fossil specimens of Eoplatypleura Messelensis were found at Messelpit, an open-cast oil shale mine located 10 km northeast of Darmstadt in Hesse, Germany.
“The new Messel fossil showcases a compact head with a subtle composite eye and a broad forewing featuring a distinctly curved tip,” notes Dr. Hui Jang, a paleontologist at the Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut and a doctoral researcher at the University of Maine and Nanjing University.
“The fossils are female, but their classification implies that males in this group may produce loud mating calls.”
Eoplatypleura Messelensis, an adult female. Image credit: Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt/Main.
These ancient insects measure 2.65 cm in body length and have a wingspan of 6.82 cm, notable for their expansive, intricately patterned wings.
“These patterns resemble those of contemporary Cicada species in the Platypleurini group, which inhabit wooded and scrub areas,” explains Dr. Jang.
“Considering the subtropical vegetation of the Messel region approximately 47 million years ago, these color patterns may have served important ecological functions, such as camouflage.”
Eoplatypleura Messelensis is one of the oldest known representatives of today’s true cicadas in Eurasia and signifies the earliest records of the subfamily Cicadinae worldwide,” Dr. Wedmann remarks.
“This is also the Cicada that has been first described from the Messel Pit.”
“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the fauna at Messelpit but also fills a crucial gap in the history of Eocene cicadas.”
“In the future, Eoplatypleura Messelensis may serve as a reference point for significant time series in genetic research regarding the evolutionary history of these insects, providing new insights into the origins and dispersal of Platypleurini.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports on April 29, 2025.
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H. Jiang et al. 2025. Sound from the Eocene: The first singing Cicada from Messelpit, Germany. Sci Rep 15, 12826; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-94099-7
Elimination presents a distinctly modern fantasy. It’s a captivating notion that, with merely a pipette or a computer, we can reverse the damage that continues to afflict the natural world. The first creature featured by Colossal is a forlorn wolf, an entity primarily born from imagination, fitting seamlessly into the realm of fantasy. Colossal’s advisory team included notable figures like George R.R. Martin, author of “Game of Thrones,” along with the HBO series adaptation, with promotional images depicting these creatures perched on the show’s Iron Throne. Many observers were taken aback upon learning that these forlorn wolves once roamed the earth as real animals, rather than being products of advanced genetic engineering.
For over 200,000 years, these forlorn wolves thrived across America, carving out a rich ecological niche; their remains have been found from Alaska to Peru. Over 4,000 wolves have been excavated from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles alone. They were among the large mammal hunters who roamed America before humans arrived and are believed to have significantly impacted the continent’s ecology. Eventually, they vanished along with their prey, becoming early victims of the ongoing crisis of human-induced extinction.
Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi were edited and cultivated into embryos, originating from grey wolf cells implanted in the uterus of a surrogate dog. This genetic modification involved 20 alterations across 14 genes (a minor segment of the 19,000 genes that constitute the Grey Wolf genome), guided by a comparison between the Grey Wolf genome and DNA extracted from ancient tooth and bone fragments. While grey wolves and forlorn wolves share superficial skeletal similarities, scientists have determined that they are fundamentally distinct, with their evolutionary paths diverging millions of years ago. Beth Shapiro, the company’s chief science officer, argues that subscribing to the “concept of morphological species” suffices to categorize them as forlorn wolves if defined by appearance. “The notion of species is merely a human classification system,” she stated to New Scientist.
Many individuals voiced their disagreement. Referring to a puppy as a forlorn wolf is akin to suggesting that by donning a hat, a short Frenchman could resurrect Napoleon. Experts in canids from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which monitors biodiversity and maintains a list of endangered species, responded to Colossal’s announcement with their own statement, asserting that “the three animals created by Colossal are not forlorn wolves.” They noted that there’s no real way to ascertain if these wolves accurately represent animals that have been absent for 12,000 years. Furthermore, reducing them to mere physicality overlooks the ecology, behavior, and culture of the original forlorn wolves.
Even if Colossal could replicate the Kree-Wolf genome, it would vastly differ from reinstating a world where such an extraordinary creature could thrive. It also fails to encompass the various ways these beings once influenced their environment. Shapiro refers to Colossal’s research as “functional detension,” a term borrowed from the rewilding movement. This ties into the ecological concept of “functional extinction.” These animals technically exist but, with their drastically reduced numbers, they can no longer play a role in eating, pollinating, or impacting their ecosystems meaningfully. This term has gained urgency in light of the 73% decline in global wildlife populations from 1970 to 2020.
The species has been named obelignathus septimanicus. This new addition lived in the European archipelago around 72 million years ago during the Cretaceous period and is classified within the Ornitopod dinosaur family of Iguanodon Island, specifically in the Rabdodidae family.
Reconstructing obelignathus septimanicus in its Late Cretaceous environment, as depicted in the “Grès à Reptiles” layer, with a Dromaeosaurus in the background. Image credit: Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska.
The Rhabdodontids were medium-sized dinosaurs, potentially bipedal herbivores measuring between 2 and 6 meters (6.6 to 20 feet).
These dinosaurs exhibited stocky builds, characterized by thick limbs, short bodies, long tails, and relatively large triangular skulls.
They thrived in the late Cretaceous European archipelago, a vast collection of small islands located in shallow tropical waters.
This family currently comprises fewer than 10 species, distributed across southern France, northern Spain, eastern Austria, western Hungary, and western Romania.
“Rhabdodontids are typically recognized as endemic groups of leaf-eating dinosaurs from the late Cretaceous European archipelago,” stated Ukaszepians and Dr. Daniel Magia from the Institute of Paleontology at the Polish Academy of Sciences.
“At present, eight to nine different species have been identified based on specimens unearthed from eastern Austria, southern France, western Hungary, western Romania, and northern Spain.”
“However, our understanding of the diversity within Rhabdodontidae and their evolutionary relationships remains incomplete.”
Fossils of obelignathus septimanicus were discovered, with a notable tooth located in the Gresèrepilles layer in southern France.
This specimen has been associated with a previously identified species, “Rhabdodon septimanicus”.
“Rhabdodon septimanicus is recognized as a basal species from the lower part of the Maastrichtian in southern France during the Campanian period,” remarked the paleontologist.
“It was classified based on particularly robust dental remains, which have drawn varying taxonomic interpretations.”
“Our analyses, which include multivariate and phylogenetic evaluations, indicate that this species represents a distinct morphological anomaly among European Rhabdodontomorphs, justifying its categorization into a new genus, obelignathus.”
“While further extensive research, especially in-depth osteological studies, is essential to clarify the taxonomic significance of specific European Rhabdomorphs, our findings suggest that several co-existing sympatric species, particularly in southern France and possibly Romania, display greater diversity than is currently acknowledged,” he added.
The team’s research paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports this week.
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Czepiński & D. Madzia. 2025. A study of the diversity and disparity of Rhabdodontid ornithopods from Late Cretaceous European archipelagos. Sci Rep 15, 15209; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-98083-z
Electrically conductive cable bacteria are a group of multicellular prokaryotes enabling electron transfer across centimeter-scale distances in both marine and freshwater sediments. Biologists have successfully isolated and characterized new species of cable bacteria from the Mudflat at the intertidal estuary mouth in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA.
Microscopic investigation of cable bacteria Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, yb6 strain. Image credit: Hiral et al., doi: 10.1128/aem.02502-24.
“Cable bacteria are filamentous prokaryotes that engage in electrosulfide oxidation in the upper layers of aquatic sediments,” states Dr. Chen Lee, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University, along with her team.
“Their electrogenetic metabolism features a unique division among cells in multicellular filaments, facilitating the migration of electrons from deeper sediment layers to the surface, where sulfide oxidation occurs.
“This long-range electron transport is enabled by a specialized network of conductive fibers, which run in parallel ridges from one end of the filament to the other.”
“These fibers connect through conductive contoured structures at the cell interfaces, ensuring redundancy within the electrical network.”
The new species is referred to as Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, isolated from the mudflat of Yaquina Bay, Oregon.
“This new species represents a bridge and appears to be an early branch of the Ca. Electrothrix clades, suggesting it offers new insights into the evolution and functionality of these bacteria across various environments,” remarks Dr. Li.
“It differentiates itself from other known cable bacterial species through its significant metabolic potential and distinctive structural traits, including surface ridges that are three times more pronounced than those in other species.
“These bacteria have the capacity to transport electrons for environmental cleanup, potentially aiding in the removal of harmful substances from sediments.”
“Moreover, the highly conductive nickel proteins they produce can lead to advancements in bioelectronics.”
Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis derives its name from the Jacona people, whose ancestral lands span the Bay of Yaquina.
“Following the tribe’s recognition of its historical connection to the land, it has honored these ecologically significant bacteria and acknowledged their ongoing contributions to sustainability and ecological wisdom,” said Dr. Li.
The team’s study was published this week in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
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Anwar Hyalal et al. A new cable bacterial species with distinct morphology and genomic potential. Appl Environ Microbiol Published online on April 22, 2025. doi:10.1128/aem.02502-24
Neotropical crocodiles inhabit a broad geographical area, with populations found in coastal, inland, and island settings. Recent research has uncovered significant genetic diversity within this group and identified two new island species: one residing on Cozumel Island and the other on the Bancochinchoro atoll off the Yucatan Peninsula.
Adult American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico. Image credit: Tomás Castelazo.
Crocodiles made their way from Africa to the neotropics approximately 5 million years ago, evolving into four recognized living species today.
American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) thrives in various environments, including brackish and freshwater areas on mainlands, islands, and coral and diatomaceous atolls along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of the neotropics, coexisting with three other species.
Meanwhile, Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) is classified as a species of least concern, while American crocodiles are listed as vulnerable, along with the other two species, which are considered critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
“Biodiversity is vanishing more quickly than we can comprehend what we are losing,” stated Professor Hans Larson, a researcher at McGill University.
“Many crocodile species are already endangered, and rapid coastal development poses a threat to nearly all populations.”
“Our research seeks to uncover the true diversity of alligators on these remote islands.”
Professor Larson and his team conducted a genetic analysis of the crocodile populations on Cozumel and Banco Chinchoro.
By comparing these genetic sequences to those from crocodiles in the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico, they uncovered significant genetic differentiation, concluding that these populations are not simply variations of the American crocodile.
“These findings were entirely surprising,” remarked Dr. José Avila-Cervantes of McGill University.
“We believed Crocodylus acutus was a single species extending from Baja California to Venezuela and the Caribbean.”
“Our study is the first to thoroughly investigate the genome and anatomical differences of these animals.”
The two newly identified species are found in small, isolated populations, each consisting of fewer than 1,000 breeding individuals.
Both populations seem stable, yet are at risk due to their small numbers and habitat limitations.
“The rapid decline in biodiversity can only be mitigated if we identify which species are most at risk,” Professor Larson noted.
“Recognizing these crocodiles as separate species emphasizes the need to safeguard their habitats.”
“Limiting land development and implementing careful conservation measures in Cozumel and Banco Chinchoro will be crucial for their survival.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution.
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Jose Avila Acervantes et al. 2025. New island species elucidate neotropical crocodile species complexes. Molecular phylogeny and evolution 207:108341; doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108341
Stained Ant (genus) Basiceros) Although widely distributed, they rarely encounter members of neotropical ecosystems. Their rarity is attributed to their cryptic lifestyle habits. These ants are common names because they have special hairs that help to adhere soil and garbage particles to their skin. Paleontologists have just discovered the first fossils of this genus group, Basiceros enanain Miocene Dominican Amber.
Illustration of the volume rendering and measurement process taken using volume rendering Basiceros enana. Image credit: Fiorentino et al. , doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2171.
Measurement of 5.13 mm length, Basiceros enana Caribbean species are the smallest in the entire lineage, as they are considerably smaller than modern relatives, which can reach approximately 9 mm in length.
“The fossil adult worker ants provide direct evidence that the sacred ant group of ants once lived on Caribbean islands. They then result in local extinction during the Miocene era (230,550,000 years ago)” Candidate New Jersey Institute of Technology.
“Dirty is a rare find in the wild. Finding something today is exciting considering how hidden they are, but being caught in amber and it’s like finding a diamond.”
“This fossil is different from all its modern relatives and changes the evolutionary history of Basiceros. ”
Until now, Basiceros The ants were only known in the neo-rainforest, which stretched from Costa Rica to southern Brazil.
The genus contains a total of nine living species today, but the unexpected fossil discovery raises new questions about how the ANT group reached its current habitat.
“In many cases, lineages seem like a rather simple biogeographic history. If you find a group of animals that lived in South America until today’s Costa Rica, there’s no reason to expect their early relatives to live in the Caribbean.”
“Such fossils highlight how the distribution of living species can believe in the complex evolutionary history of life on our planet.”
Using advanced imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques, researchers studied Basiceros enana detail.
They compared the physical properties of the specimen with the physical properties of all known modern stain ant species and conducted molecular dating analyses to track their evolutionary lineage.
“The use of Micro-CT scans allowed us to actually amplify this study and capture features that we could virtually not see what we didn’t,” Fiorentino says.
“Amber stores the entire organism in three dimensions, allowing you to extract a large amount of data even from small ants,” added Dr. Baden.
“Our results show that the embodied these ants was relatively rapid,” Fiorentino said.
“They have almost doubled over the course of 20 million years.”
“As previous hypotheses suggested that these ants were large and shrinking over time to their ancestors, this really shows how important fossils are to understand the evolution of the lineage.”
but, Basiceros enana It also suggests some of the same adaptations that were already introduced at least 16 million years ago for environmental predators and prey (a ability known as Crypsis).
These characteristics include two layers of special hair (or bristles) that allow the body to attach soil and leaf waste particles. Longer upright brush bristles and shorter, shorter, pressed retaining hairs that trap particles in the deformation or cuticle.
“What this shows is that being dead and hiding is rewarded,” Fiorentino said.
“The discovery of such unique fossils does not guarantee that the presence of these properties will necessarily act this way, but discovering such unique fossils helps us understand how long we have been using this strategy.”
Fossil ants also have other distinctive morphological properties like today’s dirt, including predatory features such as the elevated Perodal spine, trapezoidal-like head structure, and the mandible with 12 triangular teeth.
Despite these specialized adaptations, ancient Caribbean stains eventually disappeared from the region amid major Miocene ecological changes.
“The existence of Basiceros In Amber, Dominican, ancient land bridges suggest that these ants may have provided a route to travel from the mainland into the Caribbean,” Dr. Baden said.
“This fossil is part of a big puzzle that will help us understand why some groups of living things are extinct and others stick out for millions of years.”
“Their extinction could be accompanied by the loss of available niches and interspecies competition,” Fioretino said.
“These ants are predators, and the overall trend seen from the Caribbean is the loss of predator ants’ diversity.”
“More than a third of the Ants have been extinct on modern Dominican Republic Island since the formation of Dominican amber.”
“Understanding what has driven this pattern of local extinction is important to mitigate modern human-driven extinctions and protect biodiversity.”
Team’s paper It was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society b.
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Gianpiero Fiorentino et al. 2025. Increased fossil-based patterns of body size and local extinction Basiceros Stain ants (membrane: gumicidae). Proc. R. Soc. b 292 (2045): 20242171; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2171
The new genus and species of the Levubatisaurus sauropod dinosaur are explained from fossils discovered in the paleontological region of Neuken, Argentina.
Reconstructing the life of Cienciargentina Sanchezi. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.
The newly discovered dinosaurs roamed the globe during the late Cretaceous period, about 94 million years ago.
It has been named Cienciargentina Sanchezithe species is the earliest member of the Diplodocoid Dinosaur family. Rebbachisauridae It has been known up to this point.
Rebbachisaurids diversified primarily into the supercontinent Gondwana during the early and late Cretaceous periods.
These dinosaurs are known for fragmented fossil ruins from South America, Africa, North America, Europe and possibly Central Asia.
They are distinguished from other sauropods by their distinctive teeth. Some species had similar species to the hadrosaurus and Serratopsian dinosaur species.
“The first South American Rebbachisaurid Sauropods were recognized based on materials from the vicinity of the Candeleros and Huincul Formations of Vira El Chocon (Neuken, Argentina)”
“The material of Rebbachisaurid from the Huincul layer, along with the material of the Bajovaler layer, is particularly relevant as it has probably been completely extincted.”
Fossilized Materials Cienciargentina Sanchezi Found around Villa El Chocon Huincul Layer.
“This new species will be added to the list of Levubacisauld sauropods documented in the Huncuru Formation (Upper Cenomanian Turonian), which is considered to be the world’s latest diplodocoid,” the paleontologist said.
“In fact, since the Tronian, the sauropod community has been made up of only macronalians, mostly giants.”
“In Patagonia, the hypothetical fauna rotation that occurred in the middle of the Cretaceous period, involving not only white pods but other groups of dinosaurs, is likely observed anywhere else in South America.”
a paper Describing Discovery was published in the journal this month Cretaceous Research.
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Maria Edith Simon and Leonardo Salgado. New Rebbachisaurid (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) from the huincule formation (Upper Cenomanian Turonian) of Villa El Chocon (Nuken, Argentina). Cretaceous ResearchPublisherd Online April 9, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106137
Although diverse animal sequences have evolved the ability to use tools (primates, parrots, octopus, crabs, hornets, etc.), the factors leading to evolutionary use that lead to tools are less understood. Fish can provide insight into these factors by comparing differences between tool-used and non-used species. The use of anvils is an example of the use of tools by fish. The fish holds the densely packed prey in its mouth, attacking it on an anvil to open it. Through the community science programmes we call Using fish toolsMarine biologists have collected 16 new observations of five anvil use in a group of WRASSES (colorful coral reef fish) called the New World Harikoeles. These new observations provide the first evidence of the use of ANVIL Halichoeres brasiliensis, Halichoeres poeyi and Halicoeres radiatusand first video evidence of anvil use Halichoeres Garnotti and Halichoeres bivittatus.
Tool-used genus within the family Labridae. Image credit: Taliel Adam et al. , doi: 10.1007/s00338-025-02633-w.
The use of tools was once considered human characteristics and a fundamental role in human evolution.
Evidence suggests that the use of tools is widespread among animals.
Animals use tools when using external objects to accomplish a particular task.
The tool allows animals to accomplish tasks and do them easier. The use of tools appears to be extremely beneficial for animals, and raises the question of why all animals do not use the tools.
Previous research into the evolution of tool use has been limited by morphology and ecology, which contrasts with the difficulty of finding closely related populations or species of varying degrees of use of tools.
Although it has not been well studied, the use of tools in fish may be an exception. Fish are the most distinctive vertebrate groups with high ecological and morphological diversity, even among closely related species.
The use of anvils is an example of tool use in fish. With anvil, the fish (i) grabs hard shell prey, such as sea urchins and bivalves, in their mouths, (ii) swims on hard surfaces such as rocks and coral heads, and (iii) opens the fierce surface quickly and repeatedly.
The use of anvils is described in 26 fish species, and all WRASSEs belonging to the family Labridae.
“The use of tools is usually related to humans, but this behavior proves that fish are far more clever than trust,” says Dr. Juliet Taliel Adam, a researcher at Macquarie University.
Through the use of fish tools in the Citizen Science Initiative, Dr. Taliel Adam and her colleagues gathered 16 new observations in five species. Harikoeles WRASSES.
The findings present the first evidence of three anvil use and two other two video evidence, extending the known anvil use range into the Western Atlantic.
“With these newly discovered tool-used species, it becomes clear that many species of Huaras use tools they didn’t know before,” Dr. Taliel Adam said.
“This study adds to the study of fish intelligence,” added Callum Brown, a senior author at Macquarie University.
“They demonstrate the use of flexible and dexterous tools and are expanding their understanding of the evolution of tool use in the animal kingdom.”
Team’s result It will be displayed in the journal Coral reef.
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J. Taliel Adam et al. Using tools by the New World Harikoeles WRASSES. Coral reefPublished online on March 26th, 2025. doi:10.1007/s00338-025-02633-w
Paleontologists excavated the fossilized remains of a new and rare Terazinosaurus dinosaur with atypical hands in Mongolia.
Reconstructing the life of Duonychus tsogtbaatari. Image credit: Masato Hattori.
Duonychus tsogtbaatari He lived in what is now Mongolia during the late Cretaceous period, between 1995 and 90 million years ago.
The new species belongs to Teresino Sauriaa group of herbivorous or omnivorous theropod dinosaurs that lived in Asia and North America during the Cretaceous period.
“Therizinosauria is a clade of a rare herbivorous or omnivorous theropod dinosaur known from Cretaceous sediments in Asia and North America,” wrote paleontologist Yoshitsugu Kobayashi Yosh and his colleagues at the Hokkaido University Spine Museum on paper.
“This clade is most recognizable in the triductyl (three fingers) hand with three large clawless non-guals, as illustrated by its large body. Tericinosaurus From the latest Cretaceous period in Mongolia. ”
“Like a more primitive member of the clade Falkarius, Beipiaosaurusand JianChangosaurus There were relatively small Unguals compared to the more derived forms Ellianaurus, Nothronychusand in particular Tericinosaurus. ”
“As herbivorous or omnivorous theropods with long necks and small leaf-shaped teeth, their unusual evolution of hands may have played an important role in the feeding ecology of this clade.”
According to paleontologists, Duonychus tsogtbaatari is a medium sized terazinosaurus and estimates weight is about 260 kg.
This dinosaur fossil is Bien Series Formation Gobi Desert, Ömnögovi Province in southeastern Mongolia.
“The specimen was a six posterior joint vertebrae, six distinct sacral vertebrae with sacrum ribs, frontline coccyx, several dorsal ribs, partial left shoulder blade and coracoid, coracoid, umeri, ulnae, radi, rightan, right, right, pubest, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, the proximal end of left ischemia,” the researchers wrote.
Reconstructed skeletons and selected elements Duonychus tsogtbaatari. Image credits: Kobayashi et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112141.
Duonychus tsogtbaatari Unlike other Tericinosaurus in that their hands only have two fingers, rather than three fingers.
“As for other Therizinosaurus, this new species is unique in having a definitive didigital hand,” the scientist wrote.
“The specimen also preserves the complete three-dimensional sheath, representing the keratinous claws, among non-Pallavian theropods.”
Well-preserved specimens Duonychus tsogtbaatari It provides insight into the functional aspects of that kind.
“Saved keratin nails based on abdominal curvature and nail attack angle Duonychus tsogtbaatari “The author writes, reveals features within the scope of scansorial (climbing), tenasorial (grappling).”
“Of these functions, herbivorous or omnivorous diet and body size Duonychus tsogtbaatariLike other terazinosaurus, it suggests the use of amps that helps grasp branches, such as chameleons and some mammals (e.g., Southern Tamandua, Alitant), or to grip, raise, or manipulate bait (e.g., bird birds).
“Even though there are only two functional numbers, Duonychus tsogtbaatari Given the extreme flexion at Ungual joints and the strong curvature of the keratin nails, it may have been an effective Glasper, a feature unknown in other terazinosaurus. ”
“Based on the shape and dimensions of the keratin nail dimensions, Duonychus tsogtbaatari They could have grabbed branches or herds of vegetation up to about 10 cm in diameter. TericinosaurusI’ll suggest that Duonychus tsogtbaatari Foraging behaviors may have been more selective. ”
“Manus Duonychus tsogtbaatariits powerful flexion and claw curvature further supports that the derived Therizinosaurus manus is likely to be provided in a rake or hook-and-pull function to bring vegetation into the mouth during feeding, as previously suggested. ”
“The claws usually have a dominant function for hook-and-pull foraging in the most derived Theresinosaurus, but these structures may also be used for other purposes such as territory, defense, courtship, and play.”
“In addition to the unexpected morphological diversity of the Manus of Telesinosaurus (i.e., director), Duonychus tsogtbaatari It reveals greater species richness of Tericinosaurus in the ecosystem of the Baiancily Formation than previously recognized,” they concluded.
Team’s paper It was published in the journal on March 25th Iscience.
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Yoshitug Kobayashi et al. Didictilteresinosaurus with keratinous nails preserved since the late Cretaceous period in the late Mongolia. IsciencePublished online on March 25th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2025.112141
According to an analysis of ancient proteins, the 190,000-10,000 fossil mandibles found in the Taiwanese Pengu Channel in the 2000s belonged to male Denisovan. The findings provide direct evidence that Denisovan occupied a diverse climate, from the cold Siberian mountains to the warm, humid subtropical latitudes of Taiwan.
The concept of artist Peng Denisovan walking under the bright sun during the Pleistocene of Taiwan. Image credit: Cheng-Han Sun.
“Recent discoveries and reanalysis of fossil specimens, along with the application of molecular technology and new dating methods, revealed unexpected diversity among the archaic Hymonin of mid- to late Pleistocene East Asia before the arrival of modern humans.”
“Identifying Denisovan is an important example of such advances.”
“Denisovan was recognized as a group of humankinds that differ from Neanderthals and modern humans by analyzing fragmentary bone and teeth DNA excavated from Denisova Caves in the Altai Mountains of Siberia.”
“Their nuclear genome shows that Denisovan formed its own clade as a sister group of Neanderthals, forming a calculated genome difference between the two clades that occurred more than 400,000 years ago.”
“Genetic evidence also shows the flow of genes between Denisovans, modern people, and Neanderthals.”
“Studies of incorporated denisova DNA in modern human populations suggest the existence of multiple genomically distinct denisova populations, once distributed across Asia in the eastern part of the continent and perhaps part of the islands Southeast Asia.”
“However, outside the Denisova caves, direct molecular evidence of Denisovan has been found only from a single site on the Tibetan Plateau.”
“In Baishiya Karst Cave in Xiahe, the mandible and rib bone are identified as denisovan based on protein sequence.”
With label Penguo 1New Denisovan fossils were collected in the 2000s through drage activities related to commercial fishing from the seabed (60-120 m) about 25 km from Taiwan’s west coast.
The area is located 4,000 km southeast of Denisova’s Caves and 2,000 km southeast of Baishayakarst Caves.
It was part of the Asian mainland during the low sea level episodes of Pleistocene.
“Penghu 1 is under 450,000 years old, with the most likely age range from 10,000 to 70,000 or 130,000 to 190,000 years old, depending on the content of trace elements, biostratigraphic evidence, and past changes in sea level,” the researchers said.
“Direct uranium dating of Penghu 1 failed due to the effects of uranium from seawater.”
Using ancient proteomic analysis, Dr. Tsutaya and his colleagues extracted proteins from bone and dental enamel from the fossils, recovering 4,241 amino acid residues.
These variants are rare in modern human populations, but are more common in areas associated with the genetic temptation of Denisovan.
Furthermore, morphological analysis of Penghu 1 reveals a robust jaw structure with large molars and distinctive root structures. This is a feature consistent with the properties found in Tibetan Denisovan specimens, suggesting that these properties are lineage and possibly gender characteristics.
“It is clear that two contrasting groups of Hymonin – the small-tooth Neanderthal with tall but flexible mandibles and the low but robust mandible (as a population or as a male character) coexist during the late mid- and early Pleistocene Eurasia,” the scientists said.
“The latter form is rare or absent in neonatal fossils from Africa and Eurasia, and is therefore not a primitive retention that is likely developed or enhanced, as it was probably developed or enhanced in Deniso Banklade, after genetic separation from Neanderthals more than 400,000 years ago.”
“Recent discoveries of the island from Southeast Asia (Homo Flores Ensis and Homo Lusonensis) and South AfricaHomona Lady) highlights the diverse evolution of the genus Homoin contrast to the strain Homo sapiens. ”
“The Dentgrat morphology of Dennisovan can be interpreted as another such distinct evolution that took place in our genus.”
result It was published in the journal today Science.
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Takumi Tsutaya et al. 2025. Mandible Denisovan from Pleistocene Taiwan. Science 388 (6743): 176-180; doi: 10.1126/science.ads3888
in paper Published in the journal BMC Biologypaleontologists described an extinct species of the parasite hornet, found in the cretbone system in the Kachin region of Myanmar. It has been named Sirenobethylus charybdisthis species may have used abdomen like Venus’ flight laps to capture and immobilize prey.
Sirenobethylus charybdis. Scale bar – 0.5 mm in (a), 0.3 mm in (b), 0.2 mm in (c). Image credits: Woo et al. , doi: 10.1186/s12915-025-02190-2.
“Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, with more than a million described species, and perhaps fewer than several times listed,” said Taipingao, a paleontologist at a regular university in the capital.
“Recent estimates suggest a total of about 5.5 million species.”
“Their highly adaptable exoskeletons have enabled them to radiate and colonize a wide range of habitats and develop highly efficient and innovative solutions to the various challenges posed by their surroundings.”
“Among other mechanisms, carnivorous insects have evolved a variety of prey capture mechanisms.”
“However, insect predation strategies in the fossil record are still poorly understood.”
In the new study, the author examined 16 adult women Sirenobethylus charybdis Found on Kachin Amber.
The new species lived in the mid-Cretaceous period, about 99 million years ago.
Form of Sirenobethylus charybdis It indicates that the insects were parasites – insects that cause larvae to live as parasites and ultimately kill their hosts.
“Modern parasitic wasps from Superfamily Chrysidoidea include cuckoo and vetirido hornets,” the researchers said.
“but, Sirenobethylus charybdis The specimen has a unique venous pattern in the hind wing suggesting that the species belongs within its own family, Sirenovetiridae. ”
Scientists also discovered that this species is likely to be Koinobion. This is a parasitic wasp that allows the host to continue to grow during the host’s diet.
“A hornet specimen has an abdominal device made up of three flaps, and its decay forms a paddle-shaped structure with dozens of hair-like hairs that are visually reminiscent of the Venus flight lap plant,” they explained.
“Abdominal device Sirenobethylus charybdis Unlike that of known insects, it may have served as a mechanism to temporarily suppress the host during egg sales. ”
“The wasps were unable to pursue their prey over long distances, so potential hosts would have opened their devices and waited to activate the capture response.”
“Easy grasping devices are permitted Sirenobethylus charybdis Target highly mobile prey such as small, winged or jumping insects. ”
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Q. Woo et al. 2025. Cretaceous flight lap? Remarkable abdominal modifications in fossil hornets. BMC Biol 23, 81; doi:10.1186/s12915-025-02190-2
Amazing new genera and species of Gnathosaurine Pterosaur Garudapterus buffetauti It has been identified from the upper jaw of fossils found in eastern Thailand.
“Pterosaulia is the order of extinct flying reptiles that once lived among dinosaurs during the Mesozoic era, with fossil records from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period.”
“Traditionally, Pterosaurs had two major groups.”
“The first branches generally have a long tail and a long fifth toe (traditionally known as the vacuum subsystem Rhamphorhynchoidea, now abolished).”
“The second one is Pterodactyloidea a large group with a high tail shrinking, relatively long metacarpal, short or non-existent fifth toe. ”
Garudapterus buffetauti It belongs to Gnathosaurinae a subfamily of pterodas within the Pterodactyloidea group.
The new species lived in what is now Thailand 130 million years ago, 130 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period.
Fossilized sites of flying reptiles were found in the Pra Prong area in the southern region of the Phanom Dong Lac Mountains in Sa Keo province, Thailand.
Holotype of Garudapterus buffetauti – The first pterocortic skull material in Thailand – consists of a partial stud and five incomplete teeth from one individual.
“The anterior of the platoon is flattened dorsoventral and laterally expanded (spoon-shaped) shows an affinity for Gunasosaurnae,” the paleontologist said.
“The alveolar boundaries are severely scalloped and are like a collar, and the surface of the palate shows a pair of sine wave grooves.”
“These features have strong similarities to Gunasosaurin from the late Jurassic period. Gnathosaurus suburatus, Tacuadactylus luciae and Lucegnatos Almadrava. ”
Team phylogenetic analysis shows this Garudapterus buffetauti It is closely related to these Gnathosaurines.
“Even so, Thai gunasosaurin is unique and recognized as a new species for displaying the kite-shaped podium expansion,” the researchers said.
“This new specimen provides important information about Pterosaurs, including updated data to help us better understand diversity and distribution across Southeast Asia.”
Team’s paper It was published in the journal this month Cretaceous Research.
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Shitamanitokoon et al. The first ganaurin (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) in the early Cretaceous period in eastern Thailand. Cretaceous Research Published online on March 28th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106135
Paleontologists at the University of Leicester use fossilized specimens discovered in South Africa 20 years ago to describe new genus and mysterious multi-class arthropod species.
keurbos susanae. Image credit: Saragabot/University of Leicester.
It was named scientifically keurbos susanae And after the discoverer’s mother, the ancient arthropods lived during the Ordovician about 444 million years ago.
“Su is a flipped, legsless, headless wonder,” said Professor Sarah Gabott, a research author at the University of Leicester.
“Amazingly, her inner side is a mineralized time capsule. Muscles, muscles, tendons, and even courage are all preserved in unimaginable details.”
“Even so, her durable shell, legs and head are missing. She’s lost to collapse over 440 million years ago.”
“We are now convinced that she is a primitive marine arthropod, but her exact evolutionary relationship remains frustrating and elusive.”
“Today, about 85% of the animals on Earth are arthropods, including shrimp, lobsters, spiders, mites, mites, worms and centipedes.”
“They have excellent fossil records dating back to half a billion years, but while fossil remains are usually external features, “Su” is totally against it, as it is her inside, which is fossilized. ”
Fossil specimen of keurbos susanae Found in SOOM shale in South Africa.
“These layers lay on the seabed more than 440 million years ago when catastrophic glaciers wiped out about 85% of Earth’s species.
“The ocean basin, where ‘Su’ swimming was somehow protected from the worst frozen state and attractive animal communities, including ‘Su’, appears to have been evacuated there. ”
“The conditions of the sediment that “Su” came to rest were extremely toxic. ”
“There was no oxygen, but worse hydrogen sulfide was dissolved in the water.”
Researchers suspect that strange chemical alchemy was working to create fossils and their unusual inner preservation.
“However, the unique preservation of ‘Su’ makes it difficult to compare her to other fossils of the era, and how she fits into the evolutionary tree of life remains a mystery,” Professor Gabott pointed out.
“The small roadside quarry where I found fossils 25 years ago at the start of my academic career, almost disappeared, so it’s unlikely that we’ll find any other specimens.”
“The fossils are very difficult to interpret and they wanted to find another specimen with their heads and feet intact.”
study It will be published in the journal Paleontology.
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Sarah Gabott. 2025. A new euarthropope from Soom Shale (Ordovician) Konservat-Lagerstätte in South Africa. Paleontologyin printing; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70004
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