Cow teeth dating back 5,000 years could provide new insights into the construction of Stonehenge.
Utilizing advanced isotopic analysis, researchers examined the jawbone, which was first discovered at the southern entrance of Stonehenge in 1924, a location of significant ritual importance.
The findings indicate that the cow spent its early years on terrain that existed more than 400 million years ago, beneath the massive stones.
“This is the first evidence linking the timing of the cow’s life to the movement of the bluestones, which are connected to both Wales and Stonehenge,” said Professor Jane Evans, the study’s lead author, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “The insights from a single tooth tell a larger narrative than I had anticipated.”
The bluestones of Stonehenge are smaller standing stones that contrast with the larger Sarsen stones, which were transported over 200 km (125 miles) from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales.
The journey of these stones remains one of archaeology’s great mysteries. Were they carried on sleds, floated down rivers, or perhaps moved with the assistance of animals?
Researchers sliced the teeth into nine layers, each capturing a chemical signal reflecting a brief period in the cow’s life.
Oxygen and carbon isotopes revealed a dietary transition over roughly six months, from stored winter feed to summer grazing. Strontium analysis indicated that the cow’s diet came from diverse geological sources, implying that either the cow moved to the food or vice versa.
However, the lead isotopes presented a more unexpected finding. Their makeup suggested the geological settings of Wales, while unusual spikes indicated that lead stored in the skeleton was released during pregnancy.
This lead would have been incorporated into the skeleton earlier in the cow’s life. In essence, while its life concluded at Stonehenge, it likely began in Wales, mirroring the journey of the stones.
Subsequent tests confirmed that the animal was female, and she may have been pregnant or nursing when the tooth section formed.
Together, these findings enhance our understanding of the logistics involved in transporting the massive stones of Stonehenge, weighing approximately 4.5 tons (5 tons) over several hundred kilometers.
Rather than just a group of men carrying stones, the existence of cows—potentially pregnant and possibly providing milk—suggests a larger community engaged in their transport.
“We may theorize that the cow could have been used to pull loads,” Evans noted. While this specific animal might not have moved stones, it indicates that Neolithic people potentially utilized “beast of burden” techniques in the region.
“This study offers important new perspectives on the life history of this remarkable cow, which was interred at a vital site at Stonehenge’s entrance,” said Richard McGwick, a co-author of the research and professor of archaeological sciences at Cardiff University.
“It reveals unprecedented details about the animal’s distant origins and its arduous journey. Although grand narratives dominate studies of significant archaeological sites, this focused biographical approach to a single animal introduces a fresh dimension to the story of Stonehenge.”
Evans mentioned that further investigations could be conducted on other animal remains found in and around the monument.
For now, this cow’s teeth provide compelling evidence that the journey of Stonehenge’s stones may have involved both animals and humans.
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About our experts
Jane Evans is an honorary researcher and emeritus professor for the UK Geological Survey at the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham. She is an isotopic geochemist specializing in isotopic system origins and their applications to archaeological dietary problems.
The rising acidity of the Earth’s oceans is leading to the corrosion and deterioration of shark teeth.
As apex predators, shark teeth serve as essential tools, but recent studies reveal that climate change is adversely affecting their strength and durability.
“They are highly specialized instruments designed for slicing through flesh without withstanding ocean acidity,” explained Maximilian Baum from Heinrich Heine University (HHU) in Düsseldorf. “Our findings underscore how even the most finely tuned weapons in nature are not immune to vulnerability.”
Sharks continuously regenerate their teeth, yet the deteriorating conditions of our oceans can compromise them more swiftly than they can heal.
With the oceans increasingly absorbing carbon dioxide due to climate change, their acidity levels are rising.
Currently, ocean water sits at a pH of 8.1, but it could drop to as low as 7.3 by 2300.
This research is part of the undergraduate project Frontier, where Baum sought to assess the impact of these changes on marine organisms.
By acquiring hundreds of black-tip reef shark teeth from an aquarium housing the study’s subjects, Baum was able to conduct his experiments.
Approximately 50 intact teeth were then placed in tanks with varying pH levels and left there for 8 weeks.
Upon evaluation at the conclusion of the study, it was evident that teeth exposed to acidic water exhibited considerably greater damage compared to those in 8.1 pH conditions.
Microscopic view of teeth held in water at pH 7.3 for 8 weeks – Credit: Steffen Köhler
“We noted visible surface defects such as cracks and holes, heightened root corrosion, and structural degradation,” remarked Professor Sebastian Fraun, who supervised the project at HHU.
The acidic conditions also rendered the tooth surfaces rough and uneven. While this may enhance the shark’s cutting efficiency, it simultaneously compromised the structural integrity of the teeth, increasing their likelihood of breaking.
“Maintaining a marine pH close to the current average of 8.1 is crucial for preserving the physical strength of this predatory tool,” Baum noted. “This highlights the broad impacts climate change has across the food web and entire ecosystems.”
About Our Experts
Maximilian Baum | I am a student at the Faculty of Biology at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf.
Professor Sebastian Fraun | He is the head of the Institute for Zoology and Biology Interactions at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf.
Researchers from University College London and other institutions have analyzed the molars of female Boss Torus (cattle) discovered at Stonehenge.
Stonehenge. Image credit: Regina Wolf.
In 1924, archaeologists restored the jawbone of an elderly cow found at the base of the groove surrounding Stonehenge Stage 1, constructed between 2995 and 2900 BC.
Professor Michael Parker Pearson from University College London and his team dated the find between 3350 and 2920 BC through isotopic analysis of a tooth, suggesting its origins in Wales.
“This offers even more intriguing evidence of Stonehenge’s connection to Southwest Wales, the source of Bluestone,” noted Professor Parker Pearson.
“It heightens the likelihood that these cows assisted in transporting the stones.”
Researchers recorded chemical signals from the second year of the animal’s life and sectioned its third molar into nine horizontal slices.
This enabled them to measure isotopes of carbon, oxygen, strontium, and lead, each shedding light on the cow’s diet, environment, and movements.
The varying concentrations and types found in the teeth offered insights into the cattle’s lifestyle.
Oxygen isotopes indicated that the teeth recorded about six months of growth spanning winter to summer, while carbon isotopes revealed seasonal dietary changes: forest feed in winter and pasture in summer.
Moreover, strontium isotopes suggested that these seasonal food sources came from different geological regions, implying that the cattle may have moved seasonally or that winter feed was transported.
Lead isotopes indicated a spike in composition between late winter and spring, suggesting older lead sources than the other dental leads.
The findings imply that the cattle originated from much older Paleozoic rock formations in the Pleshri hills of Pembrokeshire, Wales.
“This research revealed six months of unprecedented details about the life of this cow, presenting the first evidence of cattle movements from Wales and documenting dietary shifts and life events from around 5,000 years ago,” remarked Professor Jane Evans, an archaeologist at the National Environmental Isotope Facility at the British Geological Survey.
“One slice of cow tooth has conveyed an extraordinary narrative. I am hopeful that more revelations will emerge from her extensive journey as new scientific tools become available.”
Additionally, scientists concluded that unusual lead signals could not be attributed solely to local contamination or movement.
Rather, this lead, retained in the cow’s bones, was regenerating during the stress of pregnancy.
If accurate, this indicates that the cow was female during the formation of the teeth and was either pregnant or breastfeeding.
To validate this hypothesis, the authors employed peptide-based sex determination techniques, suggesting that the animal was likely a female.
“This study offers significant new insights into the life history of this enigmatic cow, whose remains were deposited at such a pivotal location at the entrance to Stonehenge,” said Professor Richard Majwick of Cardiff University.
“It provides unparalleled details regarding the animal’s distant origins and the arduous journey it undertook.”
“Often, grand narratives dominate research on major archaeological sites, but this detailed biographical examination of individual animals brings a fresh perspective to Stonehenge’s story.”
The team’s findings were published on June 17th, 2025, in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
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J. Evans et al. 2025 Boss Torus Evaluating the comparative sources and uptake times of teeth, strontium and lead from Stonehenge. Journal of Archaeological Science 180:106269; doi:10.1016/j.jas.2025.106269
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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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Around 56 million years ago, during a period of significant geological warming known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), the mesonychid mammal Dissacus Praenuntius exhibited remarkable dietary changes—it began to consume more bones.
Dissacus Praenuntius. Image credit: DIBGD / CC by 4.0.
“I am a doctoral student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick,” stated Andrew Schwartz from the University of New Jersey.
“We are observing a similar trend: rising carbon dioxide levels, increasing temperatures, and the destruction of ecosystems.”
In their study, Schwartz and his team analyzed small pits and marks left on fossilized teeth using a method known as dental microwear texture analysis. The research focused on the extinct mammal Dissacus Praenuntius, part of the Mesonychidae family.
This ancient omnivore weighed between 12 and 20 kg, comparable in size to jackals and coyotes.
Common in the early Cenozoic forests, it likely had a diverse diet that included meat, fruits, and insects.
“They resembled wolves with large heads,” Schwartz remarked.
“Their teeth were similar to those of hyenas, though they lacked small hooves on their toes.”
“Before this phase of warming, Dissacus Praenuntius mainly consumed tough meat, akin to a modern cheetah’s diet.”
“However, during and after this ancient warming period, their teeth showed wear patterns consistent with crushing hard substances like bones.”
“Our findings indicate that their dental microwear is similar to that of lions and hyenas.”
“This suggests they were consuming more brittle food rather than their usual smaller prey, which became scarce.”
This shift in diet occurred alongside a slight decrease in body size, likely a result of food shortages.
“While earlier theories attributed body size reduction solely to rising temperatures, this latest research indicates that food scarcity was a significant factor,” Schwartz explained.
“The rapid global warming of this time lasted around 200,000 years, but the changes it caused were swift and dramatic.”
“Studying periods like this can offer valuable lessons for understanding current and future climatic changes.”
“Examining how animals have adapted and how ecosystems responded can reveal much about what might happen next.”
“The research underscores the importance of dietary flexibility; species that can consume a variety of foods are more likely to endure environmental pressures.”
“In the short term, excelling in a specific area can be beneficial,” Schwartz added.
“However, in the long run, generalists—animals that are adaptable across various niches—are more likely to survive environmental changes.”
This understanding can assist modern conservation biologists in identifying vulnerable species today.
Species with specialized diets, like pandas, may struggle as their habitats diminish, while more adaptable species, such as jackals and raccoons, might thrive.
“We’re already starting to see these trends,” Schwartz noted.
“Previous research has shown that African jackals have begun to consume more bones and insects over time, likely due to habitat loss and climate stress.”
The study also indicated that rapid climate change, reminiscent of historical events, could lead to significant shifts in ecosystems, influencing prey availability and predator behaviors.
This suggests that contemporary climate change could similarly disrupt food webs, pushing species to adapt and face extinction risks.
“Nonetheless, Dissacus Praenuntius was a robust and adaptable species that thrived for about 15 million years before eventually going extinct,” Schwartz said.
Scientists believe this extinction was driven by environmental changes and competition with other species.
The study was published in June 2025 in the journal Paleogeography, Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology.
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Andrew Schwartz et al. 2025. Dietary Changes in Mesonychids During the Eocene Heat Maximum: The Case of Dissacus Praenuntius. Paleogeography, Paleoclimatology, Paleoecology 675:113089; doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.113089
Protein fragments survived in the extreme environment of Rift Valley, Kenya
Ellen Miller
In Kenya, fossilized teeth from an 18 million-year-old mammal yielded the oldest protein fragment ever discovered, extending the age record for ancient proteins by fivefold.
Daniel Green at Harvard, alongside Kenyan scientists, unearthed diverse fossil specimens, including teeth, in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Volcanic activity facilitated the preservation of these samples by encasing them in ash layers, enabling the age dating of the teeth to 18 million years. Nonetheless, it remained uncertain whether the protein in the tooth enamel endured.
The circumstances were not promising—Rift Valley is “one of the hottest places on Earth for the past 5 million years,” Green observes. This extreme environment presents “significant challenges.” Despite this, earlier research has detected tooth enamel proteins, albeit not from such ancient samples. To assess the longevity of protein traces, Green employed a small drill to extract powdered enamel from the teeth.
These samples were sent to Timothy Creland at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute for analysis. He utilized mass spectrometry to categorize each molecular type in the sample by differentiating them by mass.
To his surprise, Creland uncovered sufficient protein fragments to yield significant classification insights. This identified the teeth as belonging to the ancient ancestors of elephants and rhinos, among other evidence. Creland expresses enthusiasm for demonstrating that “even these ancient species can be integrated into the Tree of Life alongside their modern relatives.”
While only a small amount of protein was recovered, the discovery remains monumental, asserts Frido Welker from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He emphasizes that growing protein and gaining insights into this ancient fossil is a “tremendous breakthrough.”
Unlike other tissues such as bone, sampling teeth is crucial for uncovering fragments of ancient and valuable proteins like these. “The sequence of enamel proteins varies slightly,” notes Creland.
The dental structure may have played a role in preserving proteins for such an extended period. As teeth are “primarily mineral,” these minerals assist in protecting enamel proteins through what Cleland describes as “self-chemical processes.” Furthermore, the enamel comprises only a small fraction of protein, aiding in its preservation, roughly 1%. “Whatever protein is present, it’s going to persist much longer,” Green asserts.
The endurance of protein fragments in Rift Valley suggests that fossils from other locales may also contain proteins. “We can genuinely begin considering other challenging regions of the planet, where we might not expect significant preservation,” Cleland comments. “Microenvironmental discrepancies may promote protein conservation.”
Beyond studying proteins from these specific periods, researchers aim to explore samples from various epochs. “We’re looking to delve deeper into history,” Cleland mentions. Green adds that analyzing younger fossils could offer a “baseline of expectation” for the number of conserved protein fragments compared to those from ancient specimens.
“We’re only beginning to scratch the surface,” Cleland concludes.
An extinct creature uncovered in North America offers fresh insights into the region’s life around 75 million years ago.
The creature has been described as “looking like a goblin jumping out of a rock,” according to Hank Woolley of the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. This species, known as Monstaurus, is part of a group of reptiles that thrived during the late Cretaceous period. Woolley notes it could have been “around 3 to 4 feet from tail to tip.” “Best to stay away,” he warns.
Woolley named the species Borguamondor. The first part of the name derives from a Lord of the Rings character, while the second part is inspired by an invented Elvish word, referring to its bone armor — a trait shared with its relatives, modern Gira Monsters (Healoderma Sumpectum).
Remarkably preserved fossils were found in Utah two decades ago by Joseph Sertich. Initially, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute believed it was a prehistoric lizard. Sertich recalls, “I found a collection of scattered bones in a low, flat sandy area,” including the skull, vertebrae, jawbone, and parts of a hip bone.
Sertich encouraged Woolley to investigate the fossils at the museum in 2022. B. Amondor represents an extinct species of lizard known as the Monstaurus. They found evidence that some could shed their tails when injured, making it the oldest known example of this defensive strategy that modern lizards employ.
bones belonging to Borguamondor
Utah Natural History Museum/Bureau of Land Management
According to researchers, B. Amondor dined on small mammals, frogs, snakes, insects, and “things not primarily plants,” even considering dinosaur eggs as part of its “round-length” diet. Its habitat was likely a wetland ecosystem, quite hot and humid, resembling the modern-day U.S. Gulf Coast rather than the arid landscape we see today.
Randall Nydam from Midwest University in Illinois, though not involved in this research, emphasizes the cautionary aspect of the story, reflecting on the vulnerabilities of such formidable “monsters,” both ancient and modern. “We must also acknowledge that they are long gone,” he states, “vanished due to changing circumstances.”
Continuing the dialogue about B. Amondor, Sertich believes people should broaden their understanding of these creatures. “Imagining North America’s primal tropical forests should portray nightmare lizard-hunting dinosaurs navigating the underbrush and scaling trees,” he suggests.
As opponents of US water fluoridation voice their concerns, scientists warn that eliminating fluoride may lead to a significant rise in dental decay, potentially costing states billions and disproportionately impacting lower-income communities.
Statements from states like Nebraska, Kentucky, and Louisiana indicate their intentions to remove fluoride from water supplies, raising questions about how quickly these changes will affect Americans.
Fluoride Variation
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in freshwater, initially added to community drinking water in the United States in a controlled manner in 1945. Effective methods to prevent dental decay.
According to the CDC, community water fluoridation was reported in 1999, promoting the development of baby teeth and safeguarding them through adulthood. This initiative is recognized as one of the 20th century’s greatest public health achievements.
Recently, however, concerns have emerged that adding fluoride through foods, milk, toothpaste, and dental care products could lead to total fluoride intake surpassing safe levels.
Nevertheless, the NTP noted that there was insufficient data to establish whether the lower US fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L negatively impacts children’s IQ, admitting that out of 74 international studies evaluated, “52 were deemed low quality (high risk of bias).”
Vida Zohoori, a public health and nutrition professor at Teesside University in the UK, is known for her research on fluoride. She asserts that the studies available do not provide enough data to reach definitive conclusions.
“Most research occurs in regions with fluoride concentrations significantly exceeding US standards, limiting the relevance to community water fluoridation at 0.7 mg/L,” she explains. “Most studies are cross-sectional, not longitudinal or randomized, making it impossible to establish causal links. Furthermore, many did not control for key variables like iodine or lead exposure, malnutrition, and socioeconomic status.
Children’s teeth are particularly prone to decay
Conversely, there is substantial evidence supporting the addition of safe fluoride levels to drinking water. Based on a systematic Cochrane Review from 2015 (updated in 2024), Zohoori anticipates a notable rise in pediatric decay, known as early childhood tooth decay (ECC), if fluoride is removed from public water supplies. This primarily affects children aged 1-5 and the permanent teeth of those aged 6-12, who are extremely susceptible to damage.
This perspective is echoed by Dr. James Becker, an associate professor specializing in pediatric dentistry at the University of Utah. “No scientifically credible research has demonstrated harmful effects from fluoride when administered at safe doses,” he remarks.
Bekker explains that while toothpaste fluoride provides a topical effect during brushing, small amounts in drinking water and supplements deliver continuous systemic exposure, which reinforces tooth enamel and enhances its resistance to acid.
“Many children lack access to fluoride supplements,” Bekker noted, emphasizing that fluoridation was only present in half of Utah prior to the ban.
“We’ve observed a significant increase in tooth decay in communities without fluoridated water compared to those with it. If left untreated, cavities can enlarge and eventually reach the tooth’s nerves, leading to infections and the loss of teeth.”
If all 50 US states discontinue community water fluoridation programs, it is projected that children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 will incur 25.4 million cavities in the next five years, equating to one new cavity for every three children in America. A recent report indicated this would result in an estimated cost of $9.8 billion (£7.2 billion). Jama Health Forum in May.
“We specifically quantified the increase in dental cavities that could necessitate interventions ranging from fillings to root canals and even extractions,” stated Dr. Lisa Simon, a PhD fellow in Oral Health and Medicine Integration at Harvard Dental School and co-author of the study.
“We accounted for decay in both baby teeth and adult teeth, which began to escalate when the children were around six years old.”
Lessons Learned
With the fluoride ban in Utah now in effect, Bekker anticipates it could take five years to observe its full impact. However, the effects were evident even sooner in Calgary, Canada, which removed fluoride from its drinking water in 2011; three years later, children’s dental decay surged.
In one year, 32 out of Calgary’s 10,000 children underwent general anesthesia for dental treatments, whereas only 17 did so in Edmonton, another city within the same province. Subsequently, Calgary voted to reinstate fluoride.
The leading reason for children aged 5 to 9 being admitted to hospitals is treatment for tooth decay.
“Recent studies indicate the benefits of water fluoridation are less pronounced than in the past, particularly since fluoride has become a common ingredient in toothpaste since the 1970s.”
“However, rates of tooth decay are rising, and increased education on dental care is essential. The frequency of sugar intake is key to prevention, which supports water fluoridation initiatives in the UK.”
Dr. Scott Tomar, a professor and associate dean of Prevention and Public Health Sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, commends the UK’s fluoridation expansion.
He expresses concern that misinformation about fluoride in the US could induce fear surrounding other sources of minerals, including toothpaste, leading to more bans across various states and communities.
Tomar highlights the overwhelming support for fluoride within the dental community as indicative of its safety and effectiveness, countering any narratives that oppose it driven by the economic interests of dentists.
“So, why do we advocate for this type of water fluoridation?” he inquires. “I’m genuinely worried because there are no alternatives to fluoride, and we can no longer rely on the federal government for guidance.”
In light of this, dentists and industry groups are joining forces to advocate for their cause.
“This appears to be primarily a political issue,” comments Lorna Kosi, chair of the coalition in Davis and program director for a dental clinic serving vulnerable communities. “We firmly believe that water fluoridation is safe. It remains the most effective and cost-efficient method to combat decay.”
This concept may surprise you, but certain tumors can indeed develop parts of your body, or at least fragments of them.
These peculiar layers, known as teratomas, originate from germ cells that possess the extraordinary capability to transform into any type of tissue.
Germ cells typically evolve into sperm or eggs; however, when their development is disrupted, they can create a disorganized mass of tissue.
The term “Teratoma” is derived from the Greek word Teras, which means “monster,” aptly reflecting its nature.
These tumors feature an astonishing array of components, ranging from hair and teeth to muscle tissues and even organ-like structures such as the thyroid and eyes.
While fully functional organs are exceedingly rare, the intricate nature of these tumors is undeniable.
Teratomas are most frequently observed in the ovaries and testes, but they can also appear in the midline of the body, such as the mediastinum (the chest area that houses the heart) and the base of the spine.
The majority of teratomas are benign and can be easily excised, though a small percentage—particularly those in men—can become malignant and necessitate urgent treatment. Surgery is generally the primary method for addressing these tumors, and the prognosis is typically favorable.
It can grow teeth, muscles, thyroid, eyes, and other tissues from the teratoma – Image credit: Science Photo Library
In addition to their medical implications, teratomas have offered significant insights into the science of cellular development.
They can include tissues derived from all three layers of germ cells, making them an intriguing model for studying how cells differentiate and organize.
So, can a tumor grow organs? In a way, yes. However, these structures are often nonfunctional and poorly organized.
Teratoma serves as a striking and unsettling example of the bizarre and unpredictable aspects of human biology.
This article addresses the question posed by Anisa Manning and Steve Nage: “Can tumors grow their own organs?”
If you have questions, please email us atQuestion @sciencefocus.com or message us onFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram (please include your name and location).
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CT scan of the front of a skate depicting a hard, tooth-like dentition (orange) on its skin
Yara Haridi
Recent analysis of animal fossils suggests that teeth initially developed as sensory organs rather than for chewing. The earliest tooth-like structure seems to have originated as a sensitive nodule in the skin of primitive fish, allowing them to detect variations in the surrounding water.
The findings support the long-held belief that teeth originally evolved outside the mouth, as noted by Yara Haridi from the University of Chicago.
While some evidence exists to back this theory, significant questions remain. “What purpose do all these teeth on the exterior serve?” queries Khalidi. One possibility is that they functioned as defensive armor; however, Khalidi proposes an additional theory: “It’s beneficial to protect oneself with tough materials, but imagine if those materials could also enhance sensory perception of the environment?”
True teeth are exclusively found in vertebrates, such as fish and mammals. Although some invertebrates possess dental structures, their underlying tissues are fundamentally different. This indicates that teeth originated with the evolution of the earliest vertebrates: fishes.
Khalidi and her research team scrutinized fossils claimed to be the oldest examples of fish teeth, utilizing advanced synchrotron scanning techniques.
They examined fragments of fossils from the genus Anatrepis, which spanned from the late Cambrian (539 to 487 million years ago) to the early Ordovician period (487 to 443 million years ago). These organisms featured a hard exoskeleton with perforations.
These perforations were interpreted as dentin tubules, which are one of the hard tissues composing teeth. In human teeth, dentin serves multiple functions, including sensation and the detection of temperature and pain.
However, Haridi and her colleagues found no such evidence. “We observed the internal structure [of the tubules],” she states. Their examination revealed that the tubules most closely resemble structures known as sensilla, which are found in the exoskeletons of insects and spiders.
This means that Anatrepis are arthropods rather than fish, implying that their tubules do not directly lead to the evolution of teeth.
“Dentin likely emerged as a novel feature in vertebrates, but the hardened external sensory capabilities existed much earlier in invertebrates,” remarks Gareth Fraser from the University of Florida, who was not involved in the research.
Beyond Anatrepis, the earliest known true teeth belong to Ellipticus, which dates exclusively to the Ordovician period. These possess actual dentin found in the skin’s teeth.
Khalidi suggests that like the invertebrate Anatrepis, early vertebrates such as Ellipticus evolved independently to develop skin structures, where sensory nodules had undergone significant evolution. “These two entirely different organisms had to navigate the ancient ocean’s muddy terrain,” she explains. Significantly, the study also indicates that some modern fish skin still retains nerve endings, indicating sensory functionality.
As certain fish transitioned into active predators, they required a method for securing prey, leading to the evolution of hard teeth that moved to their mouths for biting.
“Based on the available data, tooth-like structures may have initially evolved in the skin of ancient vertebrates before migrating into the mouth, evolving into teeth,” Fraser concludes.
A South Carolina man admitted guilt on Thursday for bringing in and selling sperm whale teeth and bones from four countries in the United States, according to federal prosecutors.
Lauren H. Deloha, 69, of St. Helena, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to violating the Lacy Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act by importing and selling sperm whale parts. The US Attorney’s Office in South Carolina reported this.
Deloach is said to have imported sperm teeth and bones into South Carolina from July 2022 to September 2024, including at least 30 shipments from Australia, Latvia, Norway, and Ukraine, as revealed in court documents and statements made in court.
He allegedly sold around $18,000 worth of at least 85 pieces on eBay, falsely labeling them as “plastic” to evade detection by customs officials, according to prosecutors.
Authorities mentioned that they confiscated about $20,000 worth of sperm whale parts while searching his residence.
It remains unclear how Deloach acquired these items and who purchased them from him. Teeth and bones are sought after for use in artworks like sculptures, prosecutors stated.
Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, inhabit deep waters worldwide, from the equator to the edges of ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Females can grow up to 40 feet long, while males can reach up to 52 feet long, as per the agency.
Sperm whales have been safeguarded since 1970 under the Endangered Species Act and the International Treaty on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Lacey Act criminalizes the illegal sale of wildlife that was imported illegally, prosecutors mentioned.
“Illegal wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar global enterprise, with animals and fuels protecting organized crime,” stated Brooke B. Andrews, acting US attorney for South Carolina. “We will uphold the Lacey Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Vulnerable species like sperm whales have been slaughtered for profit.”
Deloach’s attorney, Nathan S. Williams, mentioned in a statement on Sunday that Deloach “regretted his actions and took responsibility for them.”
Deloha faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine for felony Lacey Act violations, and up to one year in prison for misdemeanor violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
This incident was the latest involving protected wildlife.
In February, a California couple reached a plea agreement in Butte County, California. They were caught by wildlife officers smuggling mountain lion trophies and turtle skulls in their carry-on bags, breaching fish and game laws. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated.
Saber-toothed tiger predators — such as the famous saber-toothed tiger Smilodon Fatalis — evolved multiple times between different mammalian groups. Their unusual teeth were functionally optimal and highly effective at stabbing prey, a new study led by researchers has found. University of Bristol Paleontologist.
Graphics illustrating optimal functionality repeat the evolution of the extreme sabertooth shape. Image credit: Talia Pollock.
Dr Talia Pollock from the University of Bristol said: “Our research helps us to better understand how extreme adaptations evolve, not just in saber-toothed predators, but throughout nature.” Ta.
“By combining biomechanics and evolutionary theory, we can reveal how natural selection shapes animals to perform specific tasks.”
Dr. Pollock and his colleagues used 3D-printed steel tooth replicas in a series of occlusal experiments and advanced computer simulations to analyze the shape and performance of teeth in 95 different carnivorous mammal species, including 25 saber-toothed species. .
They discovered that the long, sharp, blade-like teeth gave the sabertooth a real advantage as a specialized weapon for capturing prey.
This discovery helps explain why saber teeth have evolved so many times, at least five times independently in mammals, and also explains the possible eventual demise of saber teeth. There are also things.
Their increased specialization may have acted as an evolutionary ratchet, making them highly effective hunters, but would put them at greater risk of extinction as ecosystems change and prey becomes scarce.
Another important finding challenges the conventional idea that saber-toothed predators fall into two categories: dark-toothed and scimitar-toothed.
Instead, researchers found a variety of saber-tooth shapes ranging from long, curved teeth. barborofelis fricky For straighter and stronger teeth Dinofelis Barlowi.
This adds to a growing body of research suggesting that the hunting strategies of these predators are more diverse than previously thought.
The research team now plans to expand their analysis to all tooth types and uncover the biomechanical tradeoffs that have shaped the evolution of diverse tooth structures across the animal kingdom.
Professor Alistair Evans from Monash University said: “This discovery not only deepens our understanding of saber-toothed predators, but also has far-reaching implications for evolutionary biology and biomechanics.”
“Insights from this study could also help inform bio-inspired designs in engineering.”
Several groups of carnivorous dinosaurs – Tyrannosaurus, Spinosaurus, and their members Velociraptor The family crept into the Bexhill-on-Sea region of present-day East Sussex, England, about 135 million years ago (early Cretaceous period), according to new research.
Early Cretaceous floodplain in southeastern England, 135 million years ago. A spinosaur (center) takes over the carcass of an ornithopod, tormenting smaller tyrannosaurs (left) and dromaeosaurs (bottom right). Image credit: Anthony Hutchings.
Dr Chris Barker, a palaeontologist at the University of Southampton, said: “Carnivorous dinosaurs are rare in the Cretaceous deposits of southern England.”
“Normally it is the Isle of Wight dinosaurs that attract our attention. Little is known about the older Cretaceous specimens recovered from mainland sites.”
In this study, Barker and his colleagues examined assemblages of theropod teeth taken from animals. Wadhurst Clay Formationmainly collected from the Ashdown Brickworks area near Bexhill, East Sussex.
Theropod teeth are complex and vary in size, shape, and serrated edge anatomy.
The authors used several techniques to analyze the fossils, including phylogenetic methods, discriminant methods, and machine learning methods.
“Dinosaur teeth are durable fossils and are typically preserved more frequently than bones, so they are often important when you want to rebuild ecosystem diversity,” Dr. Barker said. .
“There are rigorous methods that help identify teeth with high accuracy.”
“Our findings suggest the presence of spinosaurs, medium-sized tyrannosaurs, and small dromaeosaurs. Velociraptor-There are some theropods in these deposits. ”
A theropod tooth excavated from the Wadhurst Clay Formation. Scale bar – 10 mm. Image credit: Barker others., doi: 10.1002/spp2.1604.
The discovery of Tyrannosaurus is particularly noteworthy. This is because this group has not been previously identified in sediments of this age and region.
These tyrannosaurs would have been about one-third the size of their more famous cousins. tyrannosaurus rexand likely hunted small dinosaurs and other reptiles in floodplain habitats.
“Assigning isolated teeth to a group of theropods can be difficult, especially since many traits evolve independently between different lineages,” says Dr. Lucy Handford. Student at York University.
“Therefore, we employed a variety of methods to refine our findings, leading to a more reliable classification.”
“It is very likely that further discoveries will be made by re-evaluating the theropod teeth elsewhere in the museum.”
Dr Darren Naish, a palaeontologist at the University of Southampton, said: 'Southern England has an extremely good record of Cretaceous dinosaurs, and the various sedimentary layers here are among the world's best in terms of geological age and the fossil content they contain. It's also unique.”
“These East Sussex dinosaurs are older, more mysterious, and less well known than the better-known Cretaceous deposits of the Isle of Wight.”
“We've been hoping to find out for decades which groups of theropods lived here, so the new study's conclusions are really interesting.”
of findings appear in the diary paleontology papers.
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Chris T. Barker others. 2024. Theropod dinosaur diversity of Lower Wealden, England: analysis of the tooth-based fauna of the Wadhurst Clay Formation (Lower Cretaceous: Valanginian) through phylogenetic, discriminant, and machine learning methods. paleontology papers 10 (6): e1604;doi: 10.1002/spp2.1604
Komodo dragon (Komodo dragon coatiThe Komodo dragon is the largest living predatory lizard, and its serrated, curved, blade-like teeth provide valuable analogues for studying tooth structure and function and for comparison with extinct species such as theropod dinosaurs. The Komodo dragon's teeth only have a thin layer of enamel, but they are still capable of meeting the piercing and pulling feeding demands. A new study reveals that the Komodo dragon's teeth have unique adaptations to maintain their sharpness, with serrations and an orange layer of iron-rich material at the tips of the teeth.
The pigmented cutting edge of a Komodo dragon tooth. Image courtesy of LeBlanc others., doi:10.1038/s41559-024-02477-7.
Native to Indonesia, the Komodo dragon is the largest extant monitor lizard.
These creatures can grow up to 3 metres (10 feet) in length and run at speeds of up to 20 kilometres (12 miles) per hour.
They have sharp, curved teeth similar to those of many carnivorous theropod dinosaurs.
They eat almost any type of meat, from small reptiles and birds to deer, horses and buffalo, tearing and tearing at the flesh of their prey.
“The Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, is indisputably an impressive animal,” said Dr Benjamin Tapley, curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Zoological Society of London.
“Having worked with them at London Zoo for 12 years, I continue to be fascinated by them and this latest discovery only further highlights how incredible they are.”
“Komodo dragons are sadly endangered and this discovery not only improves our understanding of how this iconic dinosaur lived, but also helps us to better appreciate this magnificent reptile as we work towards conservation.”
To understand the chemical and structural makeup of Komodo dragon teeth, Dr Tapley, researcher Aaron LeBlanc of King's College London and their colleagues scoured museums for Komodo dragon skulls and teeth.
They also studied the teeth of Ganas, a 15-year-old Komodo dragon who lived at London Zoo.
Using advanced imaging and chemical analysis, the researchers were able to observe that the iron in Komodo dragon enamel is concentrated in a thin coating on the serrations and tips of the teeth.
This protective layer keeps the serrated edges of the teeth sharp and ready to use.
“Komodo dragons, like carnivorous dinosaurs, have curved, serrated teeth for tearing apart their prey,” Dr LeBlanc said.
“We hope to use these similarities to learn more about how carnivorous dinosaurs ate and whether they used iron in their teeth, like the Komodo dragon.”
“Unfortunately, with current technology we can't tell you whether fossil dinosaur teeth had a lot of iron or not.”
“We suspect that chemical changes that occur during fossilization may obscure how much iron was originally present.”
“But what we found is that large carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus had changed the structure of the enamel on the cutting edges of their teeth.”
“So while the Komodo dragon changed the chemical composition of its teeth, some dinosaurs changed the structure of their tooth enamel to maintain a sharp cutting edge.”
“Further analysis of Komodo's teeth may reveal other markers within the iron coating that were not altered during fossilization.”
“With these markers, we can know for sure whether dinosaurs also had iron-plated teeth, giving us a better understanding of these ferocious predators.”
ARH LeBlanc othersKomodo dragon teeth encrusted with iron and intricate dental enamel of carnivorous reptiles. Nat Ecol EvolPublished online July 24, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02477-7
Komodo dragons, some of the most ferocious reptiles on Earth, strengthen their teeth with iron caps, and researchers believe some dinosaurs may have had this adaptation as well.
Komodo dragon (Komodo dragon coati) is endemic to several Indonesian islands and preys on larger animals such as deer, pigs, and buffalo; it can grow to three meters in length and weigh up to 150 kilograms.
When I noticed that the animal had orange serrations on its teeth, Aaron LeBlanc The researcher, from King's College London, says he initially dismissed it as staining: “It wasn't until I visited the museum collection and saw all the teeth along the skulls of many Komodo dragon specimens that I became convinced I was looking at a new adaptation for this iconic reptile,” he says.
LeBlanc and his colleagues used high-powered x-rays at a synchrotron facility to examine the surfaces of Komodo dragon teeth and identify the different elements found along the teeth.
“When we mapped the cross-sections of Komodo dragon teeth, we quickly saw that iron was concentrated at the cutting edge and tip of the tooth, but not anywhere else in the tooth,” LeBlanc says, “and this matches up exactly with the orange stains we see on the teeth under a microscope.”
Komodo dragon tooth with orange steel cap
Dr Aaron LeBlanc, King's College London
Komodo dragon enamel is incredibly thin compared to human teeth, LeBlanc said: At the serrated edge, the enamel is just 20 micrometers thick, about a quarter of the thickness of a human hair. Human tooth enamel is about 100 times thicker.
The iron coating on Komodo dragon teeth is coated on top of this extremely thin layer of enamel, which the team believes gives the enamel extra strength, protects the serrations as the dragon eats its prey, or acts as a barrier against acidic digestive juices.
Iron is readily available in the environment, especially for large carnivores, and it's thought that the cells that make enamel change their behavior towards the final layer, producing an iron-rich finish.
Crocodiles and alligators can also concentrate iron in their enamel, but their teeth do not have iron-rich crowns.
The researchers also looked for iron coatings on the dinosaur fossil teeth. They haven't found evidence yet, but the researchers think that could be because the iron signal was destroyed by fossilization. “We need to look at better preserved dinosaur teeth to be sure,” LeBlanc said.
Leblanc says his fellow dentists are intrigued by the potential of these natural materials: “It's still a long way off, but I can imagine a time when we develop new enamel coatings inspired by nature, perhaps even the Komodo dragon,” he says.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. It goes beyond just having clean and shiny teeth – it’s about preventing cavities, gum disease, and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome.
Everyone has their own oral care routine, but it’s important to know how to properly care for your teeth in between visits to the dentist. Dr. Kami Hoss, in his book If Your Mouth Could Speak, shares valuable insights on oral hygiene.
How should I brush my teeth?
Dr. Hoss recommends a specific order for your morning oral care routine. After breakfast, follow these steps:
Use an alkaline mouthwash
Floss
Use a tongue cleaner
Brush
Brushing your teeth should be the last step, as plaque builds up overnight and mouthwash helps loosen it. Flossing, using a tongue cleaner, and then brushing with a mild alkaline toothpaste complete the routine.
What kind of mouthwash should I use?
Dr. Hoss advises against using strong antiseptic mouthwashes, as they can disrupt the oral microbiome. Instead, opt for alkaline mouthwashes that restore pH balance in the mouth.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay occurs when the pH in your mouth becomes acidic, leading to demineralization of tooth enamel. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods can help maintain a balanced pH level and prevent cavities.
About our Expert, Dr. Kami Hoss
Dr. Kami Hoss is a dentist with extensive education in dentistry and orthodontics. He is the co-founder of The Super Dentists and author of If Your Mouth Could Speak.
new analysis of distinctive canine teeth saber-toothed tiger (Smilodon Fatalis) The deciduous teeth that precede each saber (the deciduous teeth that all mammals grow and lose by adulthood) remain in place for years to stabilize the growing permanent saber teeth, and perhaps adolescents break them off. This suggests that it was possible to learn how to hunt without having to hunt.
The canines of saber-toothed predators are among the most specialized tooth structures known. Hypotheses regarding the function of enlarged dogs range from exhibition and conspecific interactions, processing of soft foods to active prey acquisition. Recent studies on the ontogenetic timing of cranial traits have shown that adult dogs may take many years to fully erupt, but long-term implications for inferences of functional morphology in dogs. The impact of the eruption is missing from current discussions and remains unquantified. In his new study, Tseng evaluates hypotheses regarding bending strength and stiffness, respectively, in adult dogs during rash. Smilodon Fatalis. Image credit: Massimo Molinello.
This new study provides the first evidence that saber teeth alone were increasingly vulnerable to lateral breakage during eruption, but would have been more stable if they had primary or deciduous teeth next to them. .
The evidence consists of computer modeling of the strength and lateral bending stiffness of the saber tooth, as well as actual testing and failure of a plastic model of the saber tooth.
“This new study is confirmation through physical and simulation tests of an idea that several collaborators and I published several years ago. It is possible that the timing of the saber ejection is adjusted and the double fang phase “It's possible,” he said. Study author Dr. Jack Tseng is a paleontologist at the University of California, Berkeley.
“Imagine a timeline where the milk canine comes out, and once it finishes erupting, the permanent canine comes out, overtakes the milk canine, and eventually pushes out the milk canine.”
“What would happen if this baby tooth was in the mouth right next to this permanent tooth for 30 months?”
“Long after the saber's permanent teeth erupted, the baby dog's unusual presence protected it, while the adult tiger learned how to hunt without damaging the saber.”
“Eventually, the baby teeth will fall out and the adult will have learned how to use the saber, but they will lose the support of the saber.”
Paleontologists still don't know what saber-tooth preferences are Smilodon He hunted his prey without breaking his unwieldy saber.
Dr Tseng said: “The double fang stage is probably worth revisiting now that we have shown there is insurance potential and broader protection.”
“This allows our teenage equivalents to experiment, take risks, and essentially learn how to become fully grown, perfect predators.”
“If you look at sabertooth use and increased hunting through a mechanical lens, I think it's not a solution, but it's a refinement.”
The same canine stabilization system may have evolved in other saber-toothed animals, researchers say.
Although no examples of double tusks in other species have been found in the fossil record, some skulls have been found to have adult teeth elsewhere in the jaw and deciduous teeth where the saber grows. has been done.
“What we are seeing is that milk canines are preserved in specimens with adult dentition. This means that the adult teeth, the sabers, are erupting or are beginning to erupt. “This suggests that milk canines were retained over a long period of time,” Dr. Tseng said.
Z. Jack Tseng.Changes in bending performance during long-term eruption of saber gingival canine teeth: a case study. Smilodon Fatalis. anatomical record, published online on April 8, 2024. doi: 10.1002/ar.25447
An extinct species of giant salmon called Oncorhynchus lastrosus They boasted a pair of front teeth that protruded like fangs from the sides of their mouths, according to new research.
Oncorhynchus lastrosus: (A) CT model of the holotype. (B) Holotype seen from the front of the skull, before complete preparation and CT scanning. (C) Artist-rendered male iconic fish skull with accurate spike-tooth configuration. (D) Artist's rendering of a complete female iconic fish with precise spike tooth configuration. Scale bar blocks – 1 cm each.Image credit: Clairson other., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300252.
Oncorhynchus lastrosus It lived along the Pacific coast of North America (California, Oregon, and Washington) about 11 million to 5 million years ago.
This extinct species was first described in the 1970s from fossils discovered in the freshwater Gateway locality of the Madras Formation near the town of Gateway, Jefferson County, Oregon.
The fish was 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) long and weighed, by some estimates, close to 177 kilograms (400 pounds), making it the largest known member of its family. Salmonidae To live forever.
This species migrated from the Pacific Ocean to inland rivers to spawn, much like salmon today. And it was placophagous based on its numerous gill rakes and few small teeth.
but Oncorhynchus lastrosus It had two upper teeth, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.
Initially, paleontologists thought that these oversized teeth were oriented backwards in the mouth, like fangs, mainly because the tooth fossils were found separated from the rest of the skull. was. This led to the common name “saber-toothed tiger.”
However, through new CT scans and various analyses, Oncorhynchus lastrosus Using fossils collected over the years, Professor Kellyn Cresson of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and her colleagues were able to confirm that the fish's teeth did indeed point sideways out of its mouth, like a warthog.
“As a result, this species should be renamed 'spine-toothed salmon,'” the paleontologists said.
“It is unclear exactly what these teeth were used for, but it is likely that they were used for fighting other spiny-toothed salmon, for defense against natural predators, or as tools for digging nests. ”
“It is also possible that the teeth were used for multiple purposes,” the researchers added.
“However, the teeth were probably not used to capture prey. Oncorhynchus lastrosus It is believed that it was a filter feeder that fed on plankton. ”
“We've known for decades that these extinct salmon in Central Oregon were the largest of all time. Discoveries like ours mean they're probably more than just gentle giants. It shows that there was no such thing,” Professor Cresson said.
“The giant spines on the tips of their snouts would have helped them protect themselves from predators, compete with other salmon, and eventually build nests to incubate their eggs.”
“We are pleased to be able to give a new face to the giant spiny salmon and bring knowledge from the Oregon field to the world,” said University of Oregon researcher and director Dr. Edward Davis. Condon Collection, University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History.
“We also emphasize that females and males alike had huge fang-like teeth. So both sexes were equally terrifying,” said Professor Brian Sidlauskas, curator of fishes at Oregon State University. said.
team's result It was published in the magazine PLoS ONE.
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KM watercress other. 2024. From the saber to the spike: Reconstruction of an ancient giant sexually dimorphic Pacific salmon from a new angle. Oncorhynchus lastrosus (Salmonidae: Salmonini). PLoS ONE 19 (4): e0300252; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300252
Paleontologists have described a bizarre new species of mosasaurid, based on a skull and parts collected from a phosphate mine southeast of Casablanca, Morocco.
Kinjaria Akta. Image credit: Andrei Atutin.
Kinjaria Akta It was part of a highly diverse predatory fauna that lived in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco 66 million years ago, just before the dinosaurs went extinct.
The ancient beast was about 7-8 meters (23-26 feet) long and had powerful jaws and long dagger-like teeth.
belongs to Mosasauridaea family of giant marine lizards with specialized flipper-like limbs and tails.
Dr Nick Longrich, a palaeontologist at the University of Bath, said: 'Some mosasaurs had teeth for piercing their prey, while others had teeth for cutting, tearing or crushing their prey. There were,” he said.
“Now we Kinjaria AktaIt has huge dagger-like teeth on its short face. ”
“This is one of the most diverse marine animals seen at any time in history, and it existed just before marine reptiles and dinosaurs went extinct.”
The only known specimen is Kinjaria Akta was recovered from Sidi Shenan Phosphatein the Ourad Abdoun Basin, Kouriga Department, Morocco.
“Morocco's phosphates are deposited in shallow, warm continental oceans in upwelling systems,” said Professor Nathalie Bardet, a paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.
“These zones are caused by deep, cool, nutrient-rich water flows rising toward the surface, providing food for large numbers of marine life and, in turn, many predators. Masu.”
“This is probably one explanation for this extraordinary paleobiodiversity observed in Morocco at the end of the Cretaceous.”
“Morocco's phosphates immerse us in the Upper Cretaceous ocean, in the latest geological period of the age of dinosaurs,” says Professor Nour Eddin Jalil, also from the National Museum of Natural History. .
“No other deposit from this period has yielded so many fossils and species.”
“After “Sea Giant,'' Thalassotitan“sawtooth” mosasaurus Xenoden“Startooth” Mosasaurus, Stelladen and many other things now Kinjaria Akta, a new mosasaur with dagger-like teeth. ”
“The elongation of the posterior part of the skull, which houses the jaw musculature, suggests formidable biting forces.”
discovery of Kinjaria Akta is explained in paper in a diary Cretaceous research.
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Nicholas R. Longrich other. A strange new species of Plioplatecarpine mosasaurid from the Maastrichtian region of Morocco. Cretaceous research, published online March 1, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105870
Paleontologists have described a new species of extinct ramid shark Paleohypotodus Based on 17 fossilized teeth found in Alabama, USA.
Fossilized teeth are Paleohypotodus bizocoi.Image credit: Eversole other., doi: 10.3897/fr.27.e112800.
“Paleohypotodus “Sharks are an extinct genus of sheep-like sharks that range in time from the late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) to the late Eocene (Priabonian), with isolated teeth scattered over large areas around the world. It has been reported from different sources,” said Dr. June Ebersole. McWane Science Center Collections Director and his colleagues.
“There are three recognized species in this genus, including the Cretaceous. Palaeohypotodus bronniand Paleogene Paleohypotodus borgensis and Palaeohypotodus rutoti”
“These species have an upright to strongly hooked distal crown, a smooth cutting edge, one or more pairs of lateral cusps, and a unique combination of folds along the labial crown foot. It is characterized by sturdy teeth.
“Paleohypotodus Although known primarily by solitary teeth, at least one partially associated skeleton has been reported. ”
The newly identified species is Paleohypotodus bizocoilived about 65 million years ago (Paleocene epoch).
A collection of 17 teeth belonging to this species was recently discovered in the historical collections of the Alabama Geological Survey in Tuscaloosa.
“A few years ago, while looking through our historic fossil collection at the Alabama Geological Survey, we came across a small box containing a shark tooth collected in Wilcox County over 100 years ago,” Eversole said. the doctor said.
“We've been documenting fossilized remains of hundreds of fish species over the past decade, but it was puzzling that these teeth belonged to sharks we didn't recognize.”
Paleohypotodus bizocoi It was a major predator when the ocean was recovering from the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous.
“In Alabama, during the Paleocene, much of the southern half of the state was covered by shallow tropical to subtropical oceans,” says T. Lynn, a paleontologist and curator of fossil collections at the Alabama Geological Survey. Dr. Harrell Jr. says. .
“This era is less well studied, which makes the discovery of this new species of shark all the more important.”
“Shark discoveries like this one give us tremendous insight into how marine life recovers after large-scale extinction events. We also know that global events such as climate change are changing the way our oceans are today. We may also be able to predict how this will affect living organisms.”
As part of their study, the authors compared fossil teeth. Paleohypotodus bizocoi to sharks from a variety of modern sharks, including great whites and shortfin mako sharks.
“By studying the jaws and teeth of extant sharks, we were able to reconstruct the dentition of this ancient species and found that it has a tooth arrangement unlike any other living shark.” said Curator of History Dr. David Sisimuri. Carolina State Museum.
a paper A description of the discovery was published in a magazine fossil record.
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JA Eversole other. 2024.new species Paleohypotodus Glickman, 1964 (chondrichthyes, oligidae), collected from the Lower Paleocene (Danian) Porters Creek Formation, Wilcox County, Alabama, USA. fossil record 27 (1): 111-134; doi: 10.3897/fr.27.e112800
New research from the University of Tasmania also confirms important and fundamental morphological differences in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) compared to most other animals.
Young Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Image credit: Keres H. / CC BY-SA 4.0.
There has long been interest in comparing the biology of placental and marsupial mammals and how different traits relate to adaptation and converging ecomorphological niches in different regions of the world. I’m here. One interesting feature is the tooth replacement pattern.
“Unlike humans, dogs and many other animals, which have a second set of baby teeth and adult teeth, we now know that the Tasmanian devil only has one tooth that serves them throughout their lives.” said researchers at the University of Tasmania. Professor Mena Jonesstudy author.
“When Tasmanian devil joeys are young, they have very small teeth that fit their small bodies.”
“Tasmanian devils are separated from their mothers when they are just one-third of their adult size, and at this point they must become independent and feed themselves.”
“Instead of spending time erupting into adult teeth like humans, the Tasmanian devil’s teeth simply ‘erupt’ from the jaw and gums, pushing out more and more to fill the Tasmanian devil’s large mouth and head. , they raise animals to hold meat and prey and for protection. ”
“This is a really cool fact about a really cool species, and it points to a completely different evolutionary solution to the formation of teeth in growing animals than we know.”
The same phenomenon is seen in local possums and possums, as well as in some ancient marsupials such as the giant volhyaenids and sabertooths of South America.
“This information will help researchers determine the age of the animals they are studying, including those monitored in the wild for Tasmanian devil facial tumor research,” Professor Jones said.
of study Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
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Mena E. Jones. 2023. Overbudding of teeth in marsupial carnivores: compensation for constraints. Procedure R. Soc. B 290 (2013): 20230644; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0644
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