Researchers examined fossils of the predatory worm and found a new species that persisted for 25 million years after it was believed to have become extinct.
Tag: Fossils
The Koala Small Enough to Cuddle Like a Cat
The discovery of a fossil hints at the existence of an animal that researchers say could be the missing link in the understanding of evolution of marsupials in Australia.
Ancient Fires Drove Sabertooth Cats and Other Large Mammals Extinct, Study Suggests
Fossils from La Brea Tar Pits in Southern California suggest that sabertooth cats and other large North American mammals disappeared as a result of wildfires spurred by human activity.
Cannibalism, or ‘Clickbait’?
A recent study offered the “oldest decisive evidence” that our ancient hominid ancestors ate one another. But the field has a long history of overstating such claims, other scientists note.
Aussie Farmers Unleash Dinosaur Rush as Fossils Rewrite History
A new understanding of how to search for ancient remains has reinvigorated a region of western Queensland, with tourists flocking to paleontological digs.
A 23-Million-Year-Old Fossil Is Carried Away by Parties Unknown
The whale fossil, a cherished local attraction, was taken from a riverbank in broad daylight by two men with a rock saw and chisel, residents say.
How Penguins Beat the Heat and Went South
Scientists reconstructed some of the evolutionary steps that led penguins to quit tropical climates for the Antarctic life over millions of years.
Before Chickens Were Nuggets, They Were Revered
The origin of the domestic fowl is more recent than previously thought, but it may have taken them thousands of years to become food.
Started Out as a Fish. How Did It End Up Like This?
A meme about the transitional fossil Tiktaalik argues that although we did come out of the sea, we aren’t doing just fine.
Richard Leakey, Kenyan Fossil Hunter and Conservationist, Dies at 77
His discoveries of ancient human skulls and skeletons, including the famed “Turkana Boy,” helped cement Africa’s standing as the cradle of humanity.