A changing climate, growing human populations and widespread fires contributed to the last major extinction event − can we prevent another?

New findings from the La Brea Tar Pits in southern California suggest human-caused wildfires in the region, along with a warming climate, led to the loss of most of the area’s large mammals.

Regan E. Dunn, Adjunct Professor of Earth Sciences, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
Aug. 17, 2023 • ~8 min

Did male and female dinosaurs differ? A new statistical technique is helping answer the question

The lack of large numbers of fossils makes it hard to study sexual dimorphism in dinosaurs. But a new statistical approach offers insight into this question and others across science.

Evan Thomas Saitta, Postdoctoral Scholar in Paleontology, University of Chicago • conversation
Feb. 1, 2022 • ~10 min

Prehistoric creatures flocked to different latitudes to survive climate change – the same is taking place today

Today, Earth's biodiversity is highest at the equator – but it hasn't always been this way.

Bethany Allen, PhD Student, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds • conversation
June 28, 2021 • ~8 min

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

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