Newly discovered mass extinction event triggered the dawn of the dinosaurs

Our new research has discovered how a series of volcanic eruptions 233 million years ago fundamentally changed life on Earth.

Michael J. Benton, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of Bristol • conversation
Sept. 16, 2020 • ~7 min
Tags: geology dinosaurs paleontology tetrapods volcanoes mass-extinctions cretaceous-period

Why some species thrive after catastrophe – rules for making the most of an apocalypse

When the dinosaurs went extinct, some species took over the world. Adaptability, not survivability, explains why.

Nick Longrich, Senior Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology and Paleontology, University of Bath • conversation
July 20, 2020 • ~9 min

Tags:  evolution  dinosaurs  extinction  palaeontology  mass-extinction  dinosaur-extinction  bird-evolution  ancient-mammals

New dinosaur discovery in Switzerland fills a gap in evolutionary history of sauropods

How we identified a new ancestor of the likes of _Diplodocus_ from old bones.

Femke Holwerda, Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeontology, Utrecht University • conversation
July 16, 2020 • ~6 min
Tags: dinosaurs fossils palaeontology sauropod

Dinosaur-killing asteroid struck at worst angle to cause maximum damage – new research

The trajectory of the Chicxulub asteroid led to the most efficient release of gas and projectile rocks – which was disastrous for life on Earth.

Erwan Le Ber, Research Associate, International Ocean Discovery Program, University of Leicester • conversation
May 27, 2020 • ~6 min
Tags: dinosaurs mass-extinction chicxulub-asteroid chicxulub chicxulub-crater

Ancient bird skull found in amber was tiny predator in the time of giant dinosaurs

The skull of Oculudentavis, found encased in amber, provides new clues into the transition from dinosaurs to birds and may be smallest of either ever found.

Jingmai Kathleen O'Connor, Senior Professor of Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences • conversation
March 11, 2020 • ~7 min

Tags:  evolution  birds  dinosaurs  paleontology  fossils  amber  myanmar  feathered-dinosaurs  bones  fossil-record  fossil-skulls  phylogeny

Smallest ever dinosaur skull found in 3cm piece of amber

The fossil includes the tiny flying creature's original bone and flesh.

David Martill, Professor of ​Palaeobiology, University of Portsmouth • conversation
March 11, 2020 • ~7 min

Tags:  dinosaurs  fossils  palaeontology  amber

Has dinosaur DNA been found? An expert explains what we really know

Scientists claim to have found DNA in fossilised dinosaur cartilage.

Michael J. Benton, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of Bristol • conversation
March 5, 2020 • ~6 min

Tags:  dna  dinosaurs  fossils  palaeontology  jurassic-park

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