How a teenager helped identify a new species of giant marine reptile

Ichthyosaurs were the last giant reptiles to rule our oceans.

Dean Lomax, 1851 Research Fellow, University of Bristol & Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester, University of Manchester • conversation
yesterday • ~7 min

Flowers may be more ancient than dinosaurs – but scientists can’t agree on when they evolved

The origin date for flowers is a source of debate among scientists – but a new approach may help bring clarity to the question.

Ruolin Wu, PhD student in Paleobiology, University of Bristol • conversation
April 9, 2024 • ~8 min

Growing quickly helped the earliest dinosaurs and other ancient reptiles flourish in the aftermath of mass extinction

By examining fossilized bone tissue, a new study finds rapid growth was an asset for survivors of the Great Dying 250 million years ago, Earth’s largest mass extinction event.

Kristi Curry Rogers, Professor of Biology and Geology, Macalester College • conversation
April 3, 2024 • ~9 min

Horses lived in the Americas for millions of years – new research helps paleontologists understand the fossils we’ve found and those that are missing from the record

Horse fossils are abundant and widespread across North America. Scientists often use their long history to illustrate how species evolve in response to a changing environment.

Bruce J. MacFadden, Distinguished Professor and Director of Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI), University of Florida • conversation
March 27, 2024 • ~9 min

A brief guide to birdwatching in the age of dinosaurs

If you love learning about dinosaurs don’t let crowdpleasers like the T Rex distract you from the fascinating birdlife that once roamed the Earth.

Abi Crane, Postgraduate Researcher in Palaeontology, University of Southampton • conversation
March 11, 2024 • ~6 min

Titanosaurs were the biggest land animals Earth’s ever seen − these plant-powered dinos combined reptile and mammal traits

Some of these giant vegetarians were as tall as a 3-story building. Microscopic analysis of their teeth, bones and eggshells reveals how they grew, what they ate and even their body temperature.

Kristi Curry Rogers, Professor of Biology and Geology, Macalester College • conversation
March 7, 2024 • ~9 min

Modern palaeontology keeps unmasking fossil forgeries – and a new study has uncovered the latest fake

A lizard fossil that was thought to be the best preserved ever has turned out to have fake skin.

Valentina Rossi, Postdoctoral researcher, Palaeontology, University College Cork • conversation
Feb. 16, 2024 • ~8 min

Newly identified prehistoric pterosaur will help us understand evolution of flying reptiles

The Isle of Skye has a rich palaeontological heritage, so perhaps it’s no surprise scientists made an important discovery there.

Paul Barrett, Individual Merit Researcher, Natural History Museum • conversation
Feb. 6, 2024 • ~7 min

Five things you probably have wrong about the T rex

Impress your niece or nephew with these T rex facts.

Abi Crane, Postgraduate Researcher, University of Southampton • conversation
Dec. 19, 2023 • ~6 min

Why we think that some extinct giant flying reptiles cared for their young

Reptiles don’t generally care for their offspring, but some pterosaurs may have bucked the trend.

Jason Gilchrist, Lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University • conversation
Aug. 18, 2023 • ~7 min

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