Palaeontologists have identified a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops. Measuring about 22 feet (6.7 meters) in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds (5 metric tonnes), Lokiceratops stand out due to their crown-like elaborate headgear.

The plant-eating dinosaur belonged to the centrosaurines group and dates back 78 million years ago.

The findings are based on specimens&nbsp;excavated from the badlands of northern Montana and will be displayed at the Natural History Museum of Utah. They&nbsp;were&nbsp;published in PeerJ.

The species has been officially named Lokiceratops rangiformis, translating to "Loki’s horned face that looks like a caribou."

The name pays homage to the Norse god Loki, known for his horned helmet, and references the asymmetrical horn lengths on each side of its frill.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played key role in dominance of dinosaurs

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Lokiceratops is part of the ceratopsid family, which first evolved around 92 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.&nbsp;

"A new horned dinosaur found in the Cretaceous badlands of northern Montana reveals unexpectedly high diversity, suggesting elevated speciation rates and regional endemism in members of the group," Dr Mark Loewen, co-lead of the study and professor at the University of Utah told IFLScience.

The fossils suggest that horned dinosaurs were evolving within a small geographic area along the US-Canada border.

<h2>Dinosaur's crown</h2>

Lokiceratops' headgear is one of the largest frill horns among ceratopsians.&nbsp;

"Having a giant head like Lokiceratops required massive neck muscles to balance it on the body and lots of calories to grow as the animal matured," explained Dr Loewen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/palaeontologists-discover-rare-pre-dinosaur-era-crocodile-like-species-733659">Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species</a>

"At the same time, it must have been so impressive to potential mates that it really was worth having such a huge head!"

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The discovery of Lokiceratops challenges previous assumptions that no more than two species of horned dinosaurs could co-exist.

Unlike many of its relatives, Lokiceratops did not have a nose horn, it has emerged.

Palaeontologists have identified a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops. Measuring about 22 feet (6.7 meters) in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds (5 metric tonnes), Lokiceratops stand out due to their crown-like elaborate headgear.

Palaeontologists have identified a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops. Measuring about 22 feet (6.7 meters) in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds (5 metric tonnes), Lokiceratops stand out due to their crown-like elaborate headgear. The plant-eating dinosaur belonged to the centrosaurines group and dates back 78 million years ago. The findings are based on specimens excavated from the badlands of northern Montana and will be displayed at the Natural History Museum of Utah. They were published in PeerJ. The species has been officially named Lokiceratops rangiformis, translating to "Loki’s horned face that looks like a caribou." The name pays homage to the Norse god Loki, known for his horned helmet, and references the asymmetrical horn lengths on each side of its frill. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played key role in dominance of dinosaurs × Lokiceratops is part of the ceratopsid family, which first evolved around 92 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. "A new horned dinosaur found in the Cretaceous badlands of northern Montana reveals unexpectedly high diversity, suggesting elevated speciation rates and regional endemism in members of the group," Dr Mark Loewen, co-lead of the study and professor at the University of Utah told IFLScience. The fossils suggest that horned dinosaurs were evolving within a small geographic area along the US-Canada border. Dinosaur's crown Lokiceratops' headgear is one of the largest frill horns among ceratopsians. "Having a giant head like Lokiceratops required massive neck muscles to balance it on the body and lots of calories to grow as the animal matured," explained Dr Loewen. Also read | Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species "At the same time, it must have been so impressive to potential mates that it really was worth having such a huge head!" What does it mean? The discovery of Lokiceratops challenges previous assumptions that no more than two species of horned dinosaurs could co-exist. Unlike many of its relatives, Lokiceratops did not have a nose horn, it has emerged.

Jurassic king with a crown? Scientists discover fancy headgear on 78-million-year-old dinosaur

It has long been debated that birds were once dinosaurs with feathers, or, in other words, birds evolved from their giant ancestors- the feathered dinosaurs.&nbsp;

In a recent fossil study, palaeontologists termed&nbsp;Yutyrannus hauli as the largest feathered dinosaur. The fossil is around nine&nbsp;metres long and weighs close to 1,400 kilogrammes with partial or complete feathers (which is still up for debate). This might be the largest feathered dinosaurs, but the modern birds have closer resemblance to a theropod group called- Tyrannoraptors. This group includes everybody’s favourite bipedal predator, the Tyrannosaurs rex. or T. rex.&nbsp;

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The T. rex fossils are believed to have had patches of skin with few feathers on them, much like with a scaly reptile-like skin that is more commonly associated with softer bird-like&nbsp; feathers.

But recent evidence show that Yutyrannus hali is the biggest dinosaur discovered till date with feather. Yutyrannus hali,&nbsp;literally meaning “beautiful feathered tyrant”, was discovered in 2012 after a fossil was purchased from a dealer.&nbsp;

<h2>The “beautiful feathered tyrant” was big and fuzzy and lived 125 million years ago</h2>

Whether Yutyrannus huali was partially or completely feathered is contentious, but we do know that it had proto feathers that differ from modern feathers.&nbsp;

Proto feathers have long filaments (around 20 centimeters, according to the Australian Museum) that lacked the barbs, barbules, and hooks we see in modern feathers, but are thought to have formed a shaggy coat that would’ve enabled Yutyrannus to keep warm in cold climates.

When it comes to comparing proto and modern feathers of Yutyrannus and T. rex, researchers believe that Yutyrannus lived around 125 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period, and by the time T. rex arrived, the feathers saw an evolution. &nbsp;

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It is estimated that baby T. rex would’ve been the size of a terrier, and it too may have sported a coat of fuzzy proto feathers. Then, as it reached its teenage growth spurt years (when they triple in size in less time), the feathers may have reduced to small patches that could've been useful in mating rituals.

One reason to doubt whether adult T. rex were covered in feathers&nbsp;comes down to their physiology. As T. rex grew, its volume increased significantly more than its surface area (skin). In other words, metabolically speaking, it wouldn’t have made sense to be covered in feathers as it would’ve been too hot.&nbsp;

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T. rex’s issue wasn’t getting cold but quite the opposite. When it was a baby and it had high surface area to body volume ratio that would have benefited from the warmth of feathery jacket. That is likely why feathers evolved in the first place, as a form of thermoregulation for small animals with big surface areas that made it hard for them to retain the heat made by their bodies.&nbsp;

This approach likely didn’t suit the giant T.rex, however, and so the feathers were lost in some groups but retained by others, including the dinosaurs we share this planet with today.

(With inputs from agencies)

It has long been debated that birds were once dinosaurs with feathers, or, in other words, birds evolved from their giant ancestors- the feathered dinosaurs. In a recent fossil study, palaeontologists termed Yutyrannus hauli as the largest feathered dinosaur.

It has long been debated that birds were once dinosaurs with feathers, or, in other words, birds evolved from their giant ancestors- the feathered dinosaurs. In a recent fossil study, palaeontologists termed Yutyrannus hauli as the largest feathered dinosaur. The fossil is around nine metres long and weighs close to 1,400 kilogrammes with partial or complete feathers (which is still up for debate). This might be the largest feathered dinosaurs, but the modern birds have closer resemblance to a theropod group called- Tyrannoraptors. This group includes everybody’s favourite bipedal predator, the Tyrannosaurs rex. or T. rex. Also Read | A rare black hole is lurking 6,000 light-years away in Earth's cosmic backyard The T. rex fossils are believed to have had patches of skin with few feathers on them, much like with a scaly reptile-like skin that is more commonly associated with softer bird-like feathers. But recent evidence show that Yutyrannus hali is the biggest dinosaur discovered till date with feather. Yutyrannus hali, literally meaning “beautiful feathered tyrant”, was discovered in 2012 after a fossil was purchased from a dealer. The “beautiful feathered tyrant” was big and fuzzy and lived 125 million years ago Whether Yutyrannus huali was partially or completely feathered is contentious, but we do know that it had proto feathers that differ from modern feathers. Proto feathers have long filaments (around 20 centimeters, according to the Australian Museum) that lacked the barbs, barbules, and hooks we see in modern feathers, but are thought to have formed a shaggy coat that would’ve enabled Yutyrannus to keep warm in cold climates. When it comes to comparing proto and modern feathers of Yutyrannus and T. rex, researchers believe that Yutyrannus lived around 125 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period, and by the time T. rex arrived, the feathers saw an evolution. Also Read | Gen Zs are ditching smartphones for 'dumbphones' with minimal features to curb doomscrolling It is estimated that baby T. rex would’ve been the size of a terrier, and it too may have sported a coat of fuzzy proto feathers. Then, as it reached its teenage growth spurt years (when they triple in size in less time), the feathers may have reduced to small patches that could've been useful in mating rituals. One reason to doubt whether adult T. rex were covered in feathers comes down to their physiology. As T. rex grew, its volume increased significantly more than its surface area (skin). In other words, metabolically speaking, it wouldn’t have made sense to be covered in feathers as it would’ve been too hot. Also Read | 'Spacebug' found lurking in ISS. Here's how it is threatening Sunita Williams, crew T. rex’s issue wasn’t getting cold but quite the opposite. When it was a baby and it had high surface area to body volume ratio that would have benefited from the warmth of feathery jacket. That is likely why feathers evolved in the first place, as a form of thermoregulation for small animals with big surface areas that made it hard for them to retain the heat made by their bodies. This approach likely didn’t suit the giant T.rex, however, and so the feathers were lost in some groups but retained by others, including the dinosaurs we share this planet with today. (With inputs from agencies)

Did birds evolve from dinosaurs? Fossils of largest feathered dinosaur hint at ancestry

What comes to your mind when someone says mighty beast with puny arms? A Tyrannosaurus rex?. Well, the scary beast can now find some solace in the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Koleken inakayali, which could make its arms look relatively stronger in comparison.&nbsp;

<h2>Tyrannosaurus rex vs Koleken inakayali</h2>

As per Science Alert, in an arm wrestle, the newly discovered dinosaur would lose.&nbsp;

K. inakayali, the recently unearthed abelisaurid dinosaur, shares similarities with the well-known Carnotaurus "meat-eating bull" known for its horns and bumpy skin. Carnotaurus is a fearsome dinosaur that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period — sometime between 71 million and 69 million years ago.

However, the newly discovered dinosaur is slightly smaller and lacks the distinctive horns.

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<h2>Where was the dinosaur found?</h2>

The Koleken inakayali was found in Patagonia, the southern end of South America.

While the K. inakayali's arm bones weren't found, its proportions suggest it likely had similar-sized arms to Carnotaurus. Both dinosaurs had stiff, immobile elbows and rudimentary wrist joints, making their arms ineffective for grasping objects. These features suggest that their arms would have flopped against their chests as they ran, adding to the mystery of why these dinosaurs evolved such seemingly useless limbs.

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<h2>Former rulers of the earth</h2>

Abelisaurids, including the T. rex's (which lived in North America and Asia) South American relatives, were once the most abundant dinosaurs on Earth during the Late Cretaceous period.&nbsp;

The reasons behind their tiny arms remain unclear, with theories ranging from a shift in hunting strategies to evolutionary remnants from their ancestors. Some argue that the arms of T. rex might have been used for slashing or gripping during mating, but the exact purpose remains speculative.

The discovery of K. inakayali adds to the understanding of abelisaurid diversity in Patagonia before the mass extinction event. The study, led by palaeontologist Diego Pol and an international team, was published in the journal Cladistics.

(With inputs from agencies)

What comes to your mind when someone says mighty beast with puny arms? A Tyrannosaurus rex?. Well, the scary beast can now find some solace in the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Koleken inakayali, which could make its arms look relatively stronger in comparison.

What comes to your mind when someone says mighty beast with puny arms? A Tyrannosaurus rex?. Well, the scary beast can now find some solace in the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Koleken inakayali, which could make its arms look relatively stronger in comparison. Tyrannosaurus rex vs Koleken inakayali As per Science Alert, in an arm wrestle, the newly discovered dinosaur would lose. K. inakayali, the recently unearthed abelisaurid dinosaur, shares similarities with the well-known Carnotaurus "meat-eating bull" known for its horns and bumpy skin. Carnotaurus is a fearsome dinosaur that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period — sometime between 71 million and 69 million years ago. However, the newly discovered dinosaur is slightly smaller and lacks the distinctive horns. Also read | 'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes Where was the dinosaur found? The Koleken inakayali was found in Patagonia, the southern end of South America. While the K. inakayali's arm bones weren't found, its proportions suggest it likely had similar-sized arms to Carnotaurus. Both dinosaurs had stiff, immobile elbows and rudimentary wrist joints, making their arms ineffective for grasping objects. These features suggest that their arms would have flopped against their chests as they ran, adding to the mystery of why these dinosaurs evolved such seemingly useless limbs. Also read | Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany Former rulers of the earth Abelisaurids, including the T. rex's (which lived in North America and Asia) South American relatives, were once the most abundant dinosaurs on Earth during the Late Cretaceous period. The reasons behind their tiny arms remain unclear, with theories ranging from a shift in hunting strategies to evolutionary remnants from their ancestors. Some argue that the arms of T. rex might have been used for slashing or gripping during mating, but the exact purpose remains speculative. The discovery of K. inakayali adds to the understanding of abelisaurid diversity in Patagonia before the mass extinction event. The study, led by palaeontologist Diego Pol and an international team, was published in the journal Cladistics. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Koleken inakayali: Scientists discover dinosaur with puny arms that rival Tyrannosaurus Rex

The discovery of a large fossil in Wales, United Kingdom has helped scientists gain a better understanding of dinosaurs in the land of the dragon. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, suggest that not only did dinosaurs once walk on Welsh lands, but they were actually a part of a complex ecological system.&nbsp;

<h2>Dinosaurs in the land of dragons</h2>

The study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Bristol came after the discovery of what has been described as a “bone bed” which comprised remains of fish, sharks, marine reptiles and occasionally, dinosaurs.

The research provides insight into early Welsh dinosaurs which walked the Earth more than 200 million years ago.&nbsp;

The discovery of the so-called “bone bed” was made at Lavernock Point near the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. The site where the discovery was made is marked with cliffs of dark-coloured shales and limestones that document ancient shallow seas.&nbsp;

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Notably, until recently, there was little to no evidence that there were dinosaurs in Wales. The study suggests that the dinosaurs lived on a tropical lowland beside the sea and walked across the warm lowlands.

“The bone bed paints the picture of a tropical archipelago, which was subjected to frequent storms, that washed material from around the surrounding area, both in land and out at sea, into a tidal zone,” said a former student of Bristol MSc in Paleobiology Owain Evans, who led the study.&nbsp;

“This means that from just one fossil horizon, we can reconstruct a complex ecological system, with a diverse array of marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and placodonts in the water, and dinosaurs on land,” Evans added.&nbsp;

<h2>About the fossils</h2>

The team of researchers had made two discoveries while conducting fieldwork at the Lavernock for their study, fossilised remains of a placodont osteoderm, and a single coelacanth gular bone.

However, Evans said local geologists have been collecting bones from the site since the 1870s and most of them can be found at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.&nbsp;

Cindy Howells, curator of Paleontology at the National Museum of Wales, confirmed that the collections from Lavernock date back to the 19th century, according to a statement by the university.&nbsp;

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She also noted that the “presence of dinosaur fossils at the site ensures that it remains one of the most significant localities for palaeontology in Wales.”&nbsp;

The supervisor of the study, Dr Chris Duffin, said that the remains of coelacanths and placodonts are relatively rare in the UK and how the findings help scientists understand the broader picture of what the Rhaetian period (208.5 million to 201.3 million years ago) would have looked like.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The discovery of a large fossil in Wales, United Kingdom has helped scientists gain a better understanding of dinosaurs in the land of the dragon. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, suggest that not only did dinosaurs once walk on Welsh lands, but they were actually a part of a complex ecological system.

The discovery of a large fossil in Wales, United Kingdom has helped scientists gain a better understanding of dinosaurs in the land of the dragon. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, suggest that not only did dinosaurs once walk on Welsh lands, but they were actually a part of a complex ecological system. Dinosaurs in the land of dragons The study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Bristol came after the discovery of what has been described as a “bone bed” which comprised remains of fish, sharks, marine reptiles and occasionally, dinosaurs. The research provides insight into early Welsh dinosaurs which walked the Earth more than 200 million years ago. The discovery of the so-called “bone bed” was made at Lavernock Point near the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. The site where the discovery was made is marked with cliffs of dark-coloured shales and limestones that document ancient shallow seas. Also Read | Rare crystals reveal when Earth first had fresh water, hinting at origin of life Notably, until recently, there was little to no evidence that there were dinosaurs in Wales. The study suggests that the dinosaurs lived on a tropical lowland beside the sea and walked across the warm lowlands. “The bone bed paints the picture of a tropical archipelago, which was subjected to frequent storms, that washed material from around the surrounding area, both in land and out at sea, into a tidal zone,” said a former student of Bristol MSc in Paleobiology Owain Evans, who led the study. “This means that from just one fossil horizon, we can reconstruct a complex ecological system, with a diverse array of marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and placodonts in the water, and dinosaurs on land,” Evans added. About the fossils The team of researchers had made two discoveries while conducting fieldwork at the Lavernock for their study, fossilised remains of a placodont osteoderm, and a single coelacanth gular bone. However, Evans said local geologists have been collecting bones from the site since the 1870s and most of them can be found at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Cindy Howells, curator of Paleontology at the National Museum of Wales, confirmed that the collections from Lavernock date back to the 19th century, according to a statement by the university. Also Read | Fatherhood linked to poorer heart health, young fathers at higher risk: Study She also noted that the “presence of dinosaur fossils at the site ensures that it remains one of the most significant localities for palaeontology in Wales.” The supervisor of the study, Dr Chris Duffin, said that the remains of coelacanths and placodonts are relatively rare in the UK and how the findings help scientists understand the broader picture of what the Rhaetian period (208.5 million to 201.3 million years ago) would have looked like. (With inputs from agencies)

Discovery of large fossil helps scientists uncover 200-million-year-old dinosaur ecosystem

In a rare discovery, researchers have discovered the fossils of a completely new dinosaur species on the shoreline of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.

This rare find, which has been named Musankwa Sanyatiensis, is the fourth dinosaur species found in Zimbabwe. The research regarding this find has been published in&nbsp;Acta Palaeontologica Polonica.

An international team comprising scientists from Stony Brook University in New York, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa and headed by the Natural History Museum's Prof Paul Barrett conducted the study in London.

Musankwa Sanyatiensis has emerged as an important discovery since it is the first dinosaur which has been named from the Mid-Zambezi Basin of northern Zimbabwe in the last 50 years.

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The rocks which yielded this new specimen of dinosaur go back to the Late Triassic period, which was nearly 210 million years ago.

<h2>What does the fossil of Musankwa Sanyatiensis tell us about this species?</h2>

The remains of Musankwa Sanyatiensis included a single hind leg, including its thigh, shin, and ankle bones.

Assistant professor at Stony Brook University Dr. Kimberley "Kimi" Chapelle said, "Despite the limited fossil material, these bones possess unique features that distinguish them from those of other dinosaurs living at the same time."

In the evolutionary analysis, it was revealed that Musankwa Sanyatiensis was a member of the Sauropodomorpha, which is a group of long-necked, bipedal dinosaurs that were widespread in the Late Triassic.&nbsp;

This species, interestingly, appeared to be closely related to its contemporaries in Argentina and South Africa.&nbsp;

Musankwa Sanyatiensis was one of the largest dinosaurs of its era. It weighed around 390 kg and ate plants.

The discovery of the new species also emphasises on the region's untapped potential for further paleontological discoveries.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists predict Atlantic Hurricane

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"The main reason for the underrepresentation of African dinosaur fossils is 'undersampling. Put simply, there have been fewer people looking for and unearthing dinosaurs in comparison with other regions of the world," said Barrett, as reported by phys.org.&nbsp;

"Over the last six years, many new fossil sites have been recorded in Zimbabwe, yielding a diverse array of prehistoric animals, including the first sub-Saharan mainland African phytosaurs (ancient crocodile-like reptiles), metoposaurid amphibians (giant armoured amphibians), lungfish, and other reptile remains," he added.

With the excavation of more fossil sites, the hope of making significant finds has increased which researchers believe will shed light on dinosaurs' early evolution and the ecosystems they lived in.

"Based on where it sits on the dinosaur family tree, Musanwka Sanyantiensis is the first dinosaur of its kind from Zimbabwe. It, therefore, highlights the potential of the region for further paleontological discoveries," Dr Chapelle said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare discovery, researchers have discovered the fossils of a completely new dinosaur species on the shoreline of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. This rare find, which has been named Musankwa Sanyatiensis, is the fourth dinosaur species found in Zimbabwe.

In a rare discovery, researchers have discovered the fossils of a completely new dinosaur species on the shoreline of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. This rare find, which has been named Musankwa Sanyatiensis, is the fourth dinosaur species found in Zimbabwe. The research regarding this find has been published in Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. An international team comprising scientists from Stony Brook University in New York, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa and headed by the Natural History Museum's Prof Paul Barrett conducted the study in London. Musankwa Sanyatiensis has emerged as an important discovery since it is the first dinosaur which has been named from the Mid-Zambezi Basin of northern Zimbabwe in the last 50 years. Also Read: Ancient fossil shows birds are officially dinosaurs The rocks which yielded this new specimen of dinosaur go back to the Late Triassic period, which was nearly 210 million years ago. What does the fossil of Musankwa Sanyatiensis tell us about this species? The remains of Musankwa Sanyatiensis included a single hind leg, including its thigh, shin, and ankle bones. Assistant professor at Stony Brook University Dr. Kimberley "Kimi" Chapelle said, "Despite the limited fossil material, these bones possess unique features that distinguish them from those of other dinosaurs living at the same time." In the evolutionary analysis, it was revealed that Musankwa Sanyatiensis was a member of the Sauropodomorpha, which is a group of long-necked, bipedal dinosaurs that were widespread in the Late Triassic. This species, interestingly, appeared to be closely related to its contemporaries in Argentina and South Africa. Musankwa Sanyatiensis was one of the largest dinosaurs of its era. It weighed around 390 kg and ate plants. The discovery of the new species also emphasises on the region's untapped potential for further paleontological discoveries. Watch: Scientists predict Atlantic Hurricane "The main reason for the underrepresentation of African dinosaur fossils is 'undersampling. Put simply, there have been fewer people looking for and unearthing dinosaurs in comparison with other regions of the world," said Barrett, as reported by phys.org. "Over the last six years, many new fossil sites have been recorded in Zimbabwe, yielding a diverse array of prehistoric animals, including the first sub-Saharan mainland African phytosaurs (ancient crocodile-like reptiles), metoposaurid amphibians (giant armoured amphibians), lungfish, and other reptile remains," he added. With the excavation of more fossil sites, the hope of making significant finds has increased which researchers believe will shed light on dinosaurs' early evolution and the ecosystems they lived in. "Based on where it sits on the dinosaur family tree, Musanwka Sanyantiensis is the first dinosaur of its kind from Zimbabwe. It, therefore, highlights the potential of the region for further paleontological discoveries," Dr Chapelle said. (With inputs from agencies)

This unknown dinosaur species lived in Zimbabwe. Here's what its fossils tell us about predators

If dinosaurs were alive today, undoubtedly, they would terrorise humans. But they're not. However, they did leave behind their closest living relatives: chickens. Although small, chickens have become a big 'clucking nuisance' in this village in England.

Around 100 feral chickens have become a major nuisance for residents of Snettisham, Norfolk, causing significant disruptions to daily life. Locals, as per The Guardian report that the chickens, which have swarmed in from a nearby wood, destroy gardens and keep them awake at night with their incessant clucking.

<h2>Life made "hell"</h2>

Residents of the village say that their lives have been made "hell" by the chickens. While the ownership of the land where the chickens reside is unclear, villagers reported observing a recent surge in the bird population.&nbsp;

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The birds, according to reports, are causing trouble not just on their own but also because of the visitors they attract, who unknowingly attract rats by leaving food for the birds.&nbsp;

This has led to rising tensions between residents and visitors.

Rod Mackenzie, a parish councillor, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, "They're a pain in the butt. If they come into your garden, they dig everything up. It's not just food for the chickens, it's every bit of detritus they can find and that brings rats."

"What was it someone left the other week? A quart of pink prawns. The rats are quite sizable around here and they breed like hell,"&nbsp;Mackenzie further said.

Ben King, a local resident, told the publication that he has resorted to wearing earplugs at night to block out the noise from the birds. "They're out of control now, there's not just one or two … if someone came and moved them, I'd buy them a big beer," he said.

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The Snettisham parish council has discussed the issue, noting that "members of the public throw all sorts of food down for the chickens. This is causing a rodent problem, which is potentially a health hazard."

<h2>No beef with the chickens</h2>

Despite the inconvenience, not all villagers are against the chickens.

Graeme McQuade, who moved to the village 18 months ago, said, "I have no issues with the chickens whatsoever. Before we moved here, we didn't know chickens get up at 4am, but it gives character to the place."

A dog walker, who chose to remain anonymous, added, "People in the new houses are moaning about them, but they've been here such a long time and there’s more important things going on in the world than a few chickens. They should get a life. Two of them have been in my garden since they were babies, and they don't bother me."

(With inputs from agencies)

If dinosaurs were alive today, undoubtedly, they would terrorise humans. But they're not. However, they did leave behind their closest living relatives: chickens.

If dinosaurs were alive today, undoubtedly, they would terrorise humans. But they're not. However, they did leave behind their closest living relatives: chickens. Although small, chickens have become a big 'clucking nuisance' in this village in England. Around 100 feral chickens have become a major nuisance for residents of Snettisham, Norfolk, causing significant disruptions to daily life. Locals, as per The Guardian report that the chickens, which have swarmed in from a nearby wood, destroy gardens and keep them awake at night with their incessant clucking. Life made "hell" Residents of the village say that their lives have been made "hell" by the chickens. While the ownership of the land where the chickens reside is unclear, villagers reported observing a recent surge in the bird population. Also read | Melanoma skin cancer reaches record high in UK, shows study The birds, according to reports, are causing trouble not just on their own but also because of the visitors they attract, who unknowingly attract rats by leaving food for the birds. This has led to rising tensions between residents and visitors. Rod Mackenzie, a parish councillor, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, "They're a pain in the butt. If they come into your garden, they dig everything up. It's not just food for the chickens, it's every bit of detritus they can find and that brings rats." "What was it someone left the other week? A quart of pink prawns. The rats are quite sizable around here and they breed like hell," Mackenzie further said. Ben King, a local resident, told the publication that he has resorted to wearing earplugs at night to block out the noise from the birds. "They're out of control now, there's not just one or two … if someone came and moved them, I'd buy them a big beer," he said. Also read | Alien object or SpaceX Dragon debris? Mysterious space object found in North Carolina The Snettisham parish council has discussed the issue, noting that "members of the public throw all sorts of food down for the chickens. This is causing a rodent problem, which is potentially a health hazard." No beef with the chickens Despite the inconvenience, not all villagers are against the chickens. Graeme McQuade, who moved to the village 18 months ago, said, "I have no issues with the chickens whatsoever. Before we moved here, we didn't know chickens get up at 4am, but it gives character to the place." A dog walker, who chose to remain anonymous, added, "People in the new houses are moaning about them, but they've been here such a long time and there’s more important things going on in the world than a few chickens. They should get a life. Two of them have been in my garden since they were babies, and they don't bother me." (With inputs from agencies)

Feral chickens turn Norfolk village into a 'clucking' nightmare

A newly discovered species named Militocodon lydae, which is said to be around the size of a rat and weighs up to 455 grammes, walked the Earth just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is part of a group of animals that gave rise to all modern hoofed mammals, including deer, cows and pigs, according to a recently published study.

According to the study published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, the animal in question lived around 65 million years ago.&nbsp;

It is believed to have appeared just after the extinction of the dinosaurs as the fossil skull and jaws of Militocodon lydae were uncovered from rocks dating back to that period. The creature’s fossil was recovered from the Corral Bluffs, a site in Colorado, United States.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-may-have-forced-some-dinosaur-groups-to-become-warm-blooded-study-723074">Climate change may have forced some dinosaur groups to become warm-blooded:&nbsp;Study</a>

The finding also provides important clues about the explosive diversification of mammals after the dinosaurs went extinct, said the researchers.&nbsp;

“Rocks from this interval of time have a notoriously poor fossil record and the discovery and description of a fossil mammal skull is an important step forward in documenting the earliest diversification of mammals after Earth’s last mass extinction,” said Dr Tyler Lyson, Museum Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology.&nbsp;

After unearthing the specimen, the team used sophisticated scanning techniques, 3D reconstructions, and teeth comparisons to find out where Militocodon lydae would be placed on the evolutionary tree.&nbsp;

One of the key findings which suggests that the small mammal led to cows, pigs, and deer we have today is that its teeth were used to shear and crush rather than grind.&nbsp;

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Notably, researchers have found only a handful of Militocodon lydae fossils in the past eight years or so.&nbsp;

Therefore, further&nbsp;studies&nbsp;for needed for scientists to confirm that this small and rather cute-looking animal is in fact what it is thought to be.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A newly discovered species named Militocodon lydae, which is said to be around the size of a rat and weighs up to 455 grammes, walked the Earth just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is part of a group of animals that gave rise to all modern hoofed mammals, including deer, cows and pigs, according to a recently published study.

A newly discovered species named Militocodon lydae, which is said to be around the size of a rat and weighs up to 455 grammes, walked the Earth just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is part of a group of animals that gave rise to all modern hoofed mammals, including deer, cows and pigs, according to a recently published study. According to the study published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, the animal in question lived around 65 million years ago. It is believed to have appeared just after the extinction of the dinosaurs as the fossil skull and jaws of Militocodon lydae were uncovered from rocks dating back to that period. The creature’s fossil was recovered from the Corral Bluffs, a site in Colorado, United States. Also Read | Climate change may have forced some dinosaur groups to become warm-blooded: Study The finding also provides important clues about the explosive diversification of mammals after the dinosaurs went extinct, said the researchers. “Rocks from this interval of time have a notoriously poor fossil record and the discovery and description of a fossil mammal skull is an important step forward in documenting the earliest diversification of mammals after Earth’s last mass extinction,” said Dr Tyler Lyson, Museum Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology. After unearthing the specimen, the team used sophisticated scanning techniques, 3D reconstructions, and teeth comparisons to find out where Militocodon lydae would be placed on the evolutionary tree. One of the key findings which suggests that the small mammal led to cows, pigs, and deer we have today is that its teeth were used to shear and crush rather than grind. Also Read | James Webb Space Telescope pictures the Orion Nebula with stunning new details Notably, researchers have found only a handful of Militocodon lydae fossils in the past eight years or so. Therefore, further studies for needed for scientists to confirm that this small and rather cute-looking animal is in fact what it is thought to be. (With inputs from agencies)

Tiny animal which roamed the Earth after extinction of dinosaurs, maybe long-lost predecessor of cows and pigs

Our conventional wisdom says all dinosaurs were cold-blooded.&nbsp;However, a new study has challenged this long-held notion, implying that they may have evolved themselves to become warm-blooded to overcome climate challenges.

<h2>The new theory</h2>

As per the new theory, increased volcanic activity may have driven mercury upwards in the Early Jurassic period. Over the period, this led to the extinction of various plant species. This climate emergency gave rise to&nbsp;various&nbsp;new groups of dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Scientists say this may have led to endothermy among dinosaurs, which means the ability to generate heat inside the body, a feature of mammals and birds.

Endothermy allowed dinosaurs to move to colder regions and survive there.&nbsp;

“Our analyses show that different climate preferences emerged among the main dinosaur groups around the time of the Jenkyns event 183 million years ago,” explained study lead author Dr Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza of UCL Earth Sciences.

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“The adoption of endothermy, perhaps a result of this environmental crisis, may have enabled theropods and ornithischians to thrive in colder environments.”

<h2>Which groups first embraced endothermy?</h2>

It&nbsp;is speculated&nbsp;that Theropods, the group that includes the iconic T. rex and Velociraptor, and ornithischians, which include relatives of the plant-eating Stegosaurus and Triceratops, were the first ones to adopt the new ability to generate heat inside their bodies.

“Theropods also include birds and our study suggests that birds’ unique temperature regulation may have had its origin in this Early Jurassic epoch,” noted co-author Dr. Sara Varela of the Universidade de Vigo.

The new ability thus gave them a significant edge over their cold-blooded counterparts.

<h2>Some questions still unanswered</h2>

The new theory provides exciting insights into the evolution of warm-blooded traits in dinosaurs, but&nbsp;many questions remain unanswered.

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It is still&nbsp;not clear&nbsp;how the new ability developed over time and what other factors may have contributed to its development.

As scientists further dive into the details of dinosaur evolution, one fact remains clear: these ancient beings were significantly more intricate and captivating than previously believed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Our conventional wisdom says all dinosaurs were cold-blooded. However, a new study has challenged this long-held notion, implying that they may have evolved themselves to become warm-blooded to overcome climate challenges.

Our conventional wisdom says all dinosaurs were cold-blooded. However, a new study has challenged this long-held notion, implying that they may have evolved themselves to become warm-blooded to overcome climate challenges. The new theory As per the new theory, increased volcanic activity may have driven mercury upwards in the Early Jurassic period. Over the period, this led to the extinction of various plant species. This climate emergency gave rise to various new groups of dinosaurs. Scientists say this may have led to endothermy among dinosaurs, which means the ability to generate heat inside the body, a feature of mammals and birds. Endothermy allowed dinosaurs to move to colder regions and survive there. “Our analyses show that different climate preferences emerged among the main dinosaur groups around the time of the Jenkyns event 183 million years ago,” explained study lead author Dr Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza of UCL Earth Sciences. Also read: NASA’s Juno mission captures reddest object in solar system “The adoption of endothermy, perhaps a result of this environmental crisis, may have enabled theropods and ornithischians to thrive in colder environments.” Which groups first embraced endothermy? It is speculated that Theropods, the group that includes the iconic T. rex and Velociraptor, and ornithischians, which include relatives of the plant-eating Stegosaurus and Triceratops, were the first ones to adopt the new ability to generate heat inside their bodies. “Theropods also include birds and our study suggests that birds’ unique temperature regulation may have had its origin in this Early Jurassic epoch,” noted co-author Dr. Sara Varela of the Universidade de Vigo. The new ability thus gave them a significant edge over their cold-blooded counterparts. Some questions still unanswered The new theory provides exciting insights into the evolution of warm-blooded traits in dinosaurs, but many questions remain unanswered. Also read: Practice makes a person almost perfect, science confirms It is still not clear how the new ability developed over time and what other factors may have contributed to its development. As scientists further dive into the details of dinosaur evolution, one fact remains clear: these ancient beings were significantly more intricate and captivating than previously believed. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change may have forced some dinosaur groups to become warm-blooded: Study

Dinosaurs, the mighty beasts that once roamed the planet, are known for their reptilian appearance, or rather what we believe they looked like. For a long time, scientists have also speculated that dinosaurs were sluggish, cold-blooded creatures that, like lizards, depended on external heat sources to help regulate their body temperatures.

This view began to shift as research suggested some dinosaurs could regulate their body temperatures. However, the timing and mechanisms of this transformation remained unclear.

However, new research may have managed to estimate the time these mighty beasts gained&nbsp;semblance of control over their body temperatures.

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<h2>Once upon a time</h2>

The study published Wednesday (May 15) in the journal Current Biology estimates that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs emerged around 180 million years ago, roughly halfway through their reign on Earth.

To pinpoint the origins of warm-blooded dinosaurs, researchers analysed over 1,000 fossils, climate models, and dinosaur phylogenies.&nbsp;

They discovered that two major dinosaur groups—those including Tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptors, as well as the relatives of triceratops—migrated to colder regions during the Early Jurassic period. This migration suggests these dinosaurs may have evolved mechanisms to stay warm. Meanwhile, a third group, including brontosaurs, remained in warmer climates.

"If something is capable of living in the Arctic, or very cold regions, it must have some way of heating up," explained Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, a study author and postdoctoral fellow at University College London.

<h2>Whether dinosaurs were&nbsp;warm-blooded or cold-blooded, why does it matter?</h2>

Warm-blooded animals, such as birds — proven descendants of dinosaurs — and even humans, maintain a constant body temperature regardless of external conditions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu3o7_05OGAxVyqFYBHdgTBs8QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1v7COa7lIg_ZSPVpXaaK94&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968" target="_blank">Ancient fossil shows birds are officially&nbsp;dinosaurs</a>&nbsp;

In contrast, cold-blooded animals, like reptiles, rely on environmental heat sources like the sun to regulate their body temperature.

Jasmina Wiemann, a postdoctoral fellow at the Field Museum in Chicago, noted that a dinosaur's habitat is just one factor in determining its thermoregulation capabilities. Wiemann's research, which was not involved in this latest study, suggests that warm-bloodedness in dinosaurs might have evolved even earlier, around 250 million years ago, near the beginning of their existence.

Wiemann emphasised that compiling various clues from dinosaurs' lives, including body temperatures and dietary habits, could help scientists better understand when warm-bloodedness evolved.&nbsp;

Understanding when dinosaurs developed warm-bloodedness can provide insights into their behaviour, activity levels, and social structures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Dinosaurs, the mighty beasts that once roamed the planet, are known for their reptilian appearance, or rather what we believe they looked like. For a long time, scientists have also speculated that dinosaurs were sluggish, cold-blooded creatures that, like lizards, depended on external heat sources to help regulate their body temperatures.

Dinosaurs, the mighty beasts that once roamed the planet, are known for their reptilian appearance, or rather what we believe they looked like. For a long time, scientists have also speculated that dinosaurs were sluggish, cold-blooded creatures that, like lizards, depended on external heat sources to help regulate their body temperatures. This view began to shift as research suggested some dinosaurs could regulate their body temperatures. However, the timing and mechanisms of this transformation remained unclear. However, new research may have managed to estimate the time these mighty beasts gained semblance of control over their body temperatures. Also read | Megatitanosaur 'Shiva the destroyer' discovered in Argentina. This is what it looked like. Watch! Once upon a time The study published Wednesday (May 15) in the journal Current Biology estimates that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs emerged around 180 million years ago, roughly halfway through their reign on Earth. To pinpoint the origins of warm-blooded dinosaurs, researchers analysed over 1,000 fossils, climate models, and dinosaur phylogenies. They discovered that two major dinosaur groups—those including Tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptors, as well as the relatives of triceratops—migrated to colder regions during the Early Jurassic period. This migration suggests these dinosaurs may have evolved mechanisms to stay warm. Meanwhile, a third group, including brontosaurs, remained in warmer climates. "If something is capable of living in the Arctic, or very cold regions, it must have some way of heating up," explained Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, a study author and postdoctoral fellow at University College London. Whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded or cold-blooded, why does it matter? Warm-blooded animals, such as birds — proven descendants of dinosaurs — and even humans, maintain a constant body temperature regardless of external conditions. Also read | Ancient fossil shows birds are officially dinosaurs In contrast, cold-blooded animals, like reptiles, rely on environmental heat sources like the sun to regulate their body temperature. Jasmina Wiemann, a postdoctoral fellow at the Field Museum in Chicago, noted that a dinosaur's habitat is just one factor in determining its thermoregulation capabilities. Wiemann's research, which was not involved in this latest study, suggests that warm-bloodedness in dinosaurs might have evolved even earlier, around 250 million years ago, near the beginning of their existence. Wiemann emphasised that compiling various clues from dinosaurs' lives, including body temperatures and dietary habits, could help scientists better understand when warm-bloodedness evolved. Understanding when dinosaurs developed warm-bloodedness can provide insights into their behaviour, activity levels, and social structures. (With inputs from agencies)

Cold-blooded reptiles or hot-blooded mighty overlords? Scientists unravel age-old dinosaur mystery 

A team of palaeontologists believe they have found a set of fossilized footprints of one of the largest raptors in China. The set of five fossilised footprints of dinosaur species is as big as half of the length of a school bus.&nbsp;

The footprints were discovered at a dinosaur trackway in south-eastern China, which was discovered in 2020. As per scientists, dinosaurs of all sorts used to walk over the muddy river during the Cretaceous period, which left&nbsp;muddy footprints in the area. Some footprints are even preserved for tens of millions of years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/two-lifeforms-merge-into-one-organism-in-a-phenomenon-that-occurs-once-in-a-billion-years-714121">Two life forms merge into one organism in a phenomenon that occurs once in a billion years</a>

The dino trackway was discovered in Longxiang, which is roughly the size of a hockey rink. A few of the footprints are oddly shaped, with preserved imprints featuring only two toes.

<h2>Fossilised footprint of megaraptor found in China</h2>

Raptors or predatory birds are usually small in size, and typically called deinonychosaurs. For example, a Velociraptor is roughly the size of a turkey. Few raptors like the Utahraptor and Dakotaraptor grew in size substantially, reaching lengths of 5 to 6 metres. The largest-ever raptor known till now was the Triassic ichthyosaur.

The predator probably would have attacked its prey using a pair of enormous “killing claws”, one on each foot, finds study.&nbsp;

What scientists discovered recently in China is huge and much larger than the largest ever superpredator known earlier.

Scott Persons at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and his colleagues added another giant raptor to the list. They named it Fujianipus, and they say it lived in East Asia about 96 million years ago.

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Not much is known about Fujianipus, as Persons and his colleagues are still working on the parts of its skeleton. The teams just discovered a handful of its 36-centimetre-long footprints.&nbsp;

“Preservation conditions were right for footprints but not so great for bones,” says Persons. But they are sure the footprints belong to a raptor because each one carries the imprint of just two toes, which matches the foot anatomy of the raptors. Raptors are usually known to have three toes but hold one off the ground to protect the large claw at its tip from wear and tear.

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Persons say Fujianipus shows that raptors had the potential to grow even larger and compete against the biggest predatory dinosaurs on the landscape at that time – the allosauroids, some of which measured 10 metres or more in length.&nbsp;

However, the raptors have had the advantage of speed over these allosauroids, said Persons. But without fossilised leg bones, the researchers cannot accurately estimate Fujianipus’s speed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of palaeontologists believe they have found a set of fossilized footprints of one of the largest raptors in China. The set of five fossilised footprints of dinosaur species is as big as half of the length of a school bus.

A team of palaeontologists believe they have found a set of fossilized footprints of one of the largest raptors in China. The set of five fossilised footprints of dinosaur species is as big as half of the length of a school bus. The footprints were discovered at a dinosaur trackway in south-eastern China, which was discovered in 2020. As per scientists, dinosaurs of all sorts used to walk over the muddy river during the Cretaceous period, which left muddy footprints in the area. Some footprints are even preserved for tens of millions of years. Also Read | Two life forms merge into one organism in a phenomenon that occurs once in a billion years The dino trackway was discovered in Longxiang, which is roughly the size of a hockey rink. A few of the footprints are oddly shaped, with preserved imprints featuring only two toes. Fossilised footprint of megaraptor found in China Raptors or predatory birds are usually small in size, and typically called deinonychosaurs. For example, a Velociraptor is roughly the size of a turkey. Few raptors like the Utahraptor and Dakotaraptor grew in size substantially, reaching lengths of 5 to 6 metres. The largest-ever raptor known till now was the Triassic ichthyosaur. The predator probably would have attacked its prey using a pair of enormous “killing claws”, one on each foot, finds study. What scientists discovered recently in China is huge and much larger than the largest ever superpredator known earlier. Scott Persons at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and his colleagues added another giant raptor to the list. They named it Fujianipus, and they say it lived in East Asia about 96 million years ago. Also Read | Archaeologists might have discovered death site of Roman Empire's founder Not much is known about Fujianipus, as Persons and his colleagues are still working on the parts of its skeleton. The teams just discovered a handful of its 36-centimetre-long footprints. “Preservation conditions were right for footprints but not so great for bones,” says Persons. But they are sure the footprints belong to a raptor because each one carries the imprint of just two toes, which matches the foot anatomy of the raptors. Raptors are usually known to have three toes but hold one off the ground to protect the large claw at its tip from wear and tear. Also Read | THIS prehistoric fish was nearly 9 feet long and had giant sabres for teeth Persons say Fujianipus shows that raptors had the potential to grow even larger and compete against the biggest predatory dinosaurs on the landscape at that time – the allosauroids, some of which measured 10 metres or more in length. However, the raptors have had the advantage of speed over these allosauroids, said Persons. But without fossilised leg bones, the researchers cannot accurately estimate Fujianipus’s speed. (With inputs from agencies)

Huge fossilised footprint of dinosaur found in China belongs to a megaraptor

Hindu deity Shiva 'the destroyer' has inspired the name of a titan dinosaur that roamed Argentina more than 90 million years ago. A fossil of the colossal creature named Bustingorrytitan Shiva was discovered late last year in western Argentina.

This newly discovered dinosaur, B. Shiva, is among the largest sauropods, and as per a study published December 18, 2023, in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, stretched an impressive 98 feet (29.87 metres) in length and is thought to have weighed about 74 tonnes.

This is what it looked like:

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<h2>Mega-Titanosaurs</h2>

Found in the North Patagonia region of southern South America, the discovery of B. shiva adds to the family of "megatitanosaurs"– enormous titanosaurs that exceeded 55 tonnes (50 metric tons). This finding indicates that such giant sauropods evolved separately within their lineage titanosaurs, said the study lead author María Edith Simón, a palaeontologist who ran the B. shiva excavation.

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The remains of B. shiva were initially unearthed by a local farmer named Manuel Bustingorry in 2000, and subsequent excavations led by palaeontologist María Edith Simón have revealed at least four individual dinosaurs from this species.&nbsp;

These include a relatively complete skeleton alongside three other partial specimens, all dating back to the Huincul Formation, the same geological formation where the famous Argentinosaurus was discovered.

<h2>Bustingorrytitan Shiva</h2>

Unlike other known sauropods, B. shiva exhibits unique characteristics such as distinctively shaped crests on the humerus and femur, reports Live Science.&nbsp;

This differentiation suggests the presence of at least two gigantic titanosaur lineages — B. Shiva's saltasauroids and Argentinosaurus' lognkosaurs — coexisting in North Patagonia during the middle of the Cretaceous period(145 million to 66 million years ago).

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"Ecologically, each of the sauropods were distinct from one another, with different teeth, heads and bodies," Simón told Live Science.&nbsp;

"This shows that they were all able to find a form where they could live without competing with one another."

The name "Bustingorrytitan" combines the surname of the farmer who found the fossils with "titan," a nod to the giants of Greek mythology.&nbsp;The species name "Shiva" as per&nbsp;Simón, references the supreme deity of Shaivism, who destroys and transforms the universe. &nbsp;

The cretaceous period, as per the study, saw the extinction of certain dinosaur groups such as early diplodocoid sauropods and certain titanosaurs and the rise of others, with B. Shiva's lineage surviving until the end of the Cretaceous period.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hindu deity Shiva 'the destroyer' has inspired the name of a titan dinosaur that roamed Argentina more than 90 million years ago. A fossil of the colossal creature named Bustingorrytitan Shiva was discovered late last year in western Argentina.

Hindu deity Shiva 'the destroyer' has inspired the name of a titan dinosaur that roamed Argentina more than 90 million years ago. A fossil of the colossal creature named Bustingorrytitan Shiva was discovered late last year in western Argentina. This newly discovered dinosaur, B. Shiva, is among the largest sauropods, and as per a study published December 18, 2023, in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, stretched an impressive 98 feet (29.87 metres) in length and is thought to have weighed about 74 tonnes. This is what it looked like: × Mega-Titanosaurs Found in the North Patagonia region of southern South America, the discovery of B. shiva adds to the family of "megatitanosaurs"– enormous titanosaurs that exceeded 55 tonnes (50 metric tons). This finding indicates that such giant sauropods evolved separately within their lineage titanosaurs, said the study lead author María Edith Simón, a palaeontologist who ran the B. shiva excavation. Also read | Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are 'ice giants,' but a new study hints at something else The remains of B. shiva were initially unearthed by a local farmer named Manuel Bustingorry in 2000, and subsequent excavations led by palaeontologist María Edith Simón have revealed at least four individual dinosaurs from this species. These include a relatively complete skeleton alongside three other partial specimens, all dating back to the Huincul Formation, the same geological formation where the famous Argentinosaurus was discovered. Bustingorrytitan Shiva Unlike other known sauropods, B. shiva exhibits unique characteristics such as distinctively shaped crests on the humerus and femur, reports Live Science. This differentiation suggests the presence of at least two gigantic titanosaur lineages — B. Shiva's saltasauroids and Argentinosaurus' lognkosaurs — coexisting in North Patagonia during the middle of the Cretaceous period(145 million to 66 million years ago). Also read | A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina "Ecologically, each of the sauropods were distinct from one another, with different teeth, heads and bodies," Simón told Live Science. "This shows that they were all able to find a form where they could live without competing with one another." The name "Bustingorrytitan" combines the surname of the farmer who found the fossils with "titan," a nod to the giants of Greek mythology. The species name "Shiva" as per Simón, references the supreme deity of Shaivism, who destroys and transforms the universe. The cretaceous period, as per the study, saw the extinction of certain dinosaur groups such as early diplodocoid sauropods and certain titanosaurs and the rise of others, with B. Shiva's lineage surviving until the end of the Cretaceous period. (With inputs from agencies)

Megatitanosaur 'Shiva the destroyer' discovered in Argentina. This is what it looked like. Watch!

The world of palaeontology has found a new member. Palaeontologists in Argentina have unveiled a new species of Titanosaur&nbsp;named Titanomachya gimenezi from the late Cretaceous Epoch, a period between 66 to 145 million years ago.&nbsp;

The discovery took place in the Chubut province of Patagonian Argentina. The fossils of Titanomachya were found among forelimbs, hindlimbs, and fragments of ribs and vertebrae. This marks the first sauropod species recognised from this formation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/not-a-meteorite-but-indias-deccan-traps-led-to-extinction-of-dinosaurs-from-earth-study-664402">Not a meteorite, but India's Deccan Traps may have led to extinction of dinosaurs from Earth: Study</a>

"The morphology of the talus – the bone responsible for distributing the force coming from the tibia on the inside of the foot – was never seen before in other titanosaurs and shows intermediate traits between the Colossosauria and Saltasauroidea lineages, highlighting its evolutionary importance," first author Agustín Pérez Moreno from CONICET and Museo de La Plata in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Size of new Titanosaur species</h2>

Its size was 10 times smaller than its largest titanosaur relative. For instance, Patagotitan mayorum&nbsp;was about 130 feet in length and weighed a massive 70 tonnes.&nbsp;Titanomachya gimenez, on the other hand, weighed just about seven tonnes and was just as tall as a&nbsp;cow.

Scientists&nbsp;measured the tibia and fibula fossils that they found to conclude that this titanosaur&nbsp;was nothing like the commonly known beast that a&nbsp;titanosaur is.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;the Titanomachya gimenez&nbsp;stood at just 6 feet tall. That's quite some dip for a giant species like&nbsp;titanosaurs.&nbsp;

Their significance with respect to their smaller size, however,&nbsp;lies in the broader picture of dinosaur diversity during the late Cretaceous period.

<h2>What is the project about?</h2>

The discovery is part of an effort between the National Geographic Society and over 10 museums and universities in Argentina, including the Museo de La Plata.&nbsp;

The project aims to bridge the gap in humanity's knowledge of the final 15 million years of the Cretaceous Period. It focuses on the dinosaurs and vertebrates that thrived in Patagonia during this critical period.

Also watch |&nbsp;Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs

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"The discovery of Titanomachya, adds to previous data suggesting there was a major ecological change as the Cretaceous [Period] was coming to an end, marked by the downsizing of titanosaurs, a decrease in their abundance, and the predominance of other herbivorous dinosaurs, such as hadrosaurs on the landscape,"&nbsp;said National Geographic Explorer Diego Pol in a release. "This ecological shift in herbivorous dinosaurs occurred amidst changing climates and habitats, as well as the advance of the Atlantic Ocean over large parts of Patagonia."

(With inputs from agencies)

The world of palaeontology has found a new member. Palaeontologists in Argentina have unveiled a new species of Titanosaur named Titanomachya gimenezi from the late Cretaceous Epoch, a period between 66 to 145 million years ago.

The world of palaeontology has found a new member. Palaeontologists in Argentina have unveiled a new species of Titanosaur named Titanomachya gimenezi from the late Cretaceous Epoch, a period between 66 to 145 million years ago. The discovery took place in the Chubut province of Patagonian Argentina. The fossils of Titanomachya were found among forelimbs, hindlimbs, and fragments of ribs and vertebrae. This marks the first sauropod species recognised from this formation. Also read | Not a meteorite, but India's Deccan Traps may have led to extinction of dinosaurs from Earth: Study "The morphology of the talus – the bone responsible for distributing the force coming from the tibia on the inside of the foot – was never seen before in other titanosaurs and shows intermediate traits between the Colossosauria and Saltasauroidea lineages, highlighting its evolutionary importance," first author Agustín Pérez Moreno from CONICET and Museo de La Plata in a statement. Size of new Titanosaur species Its size was 10 times smaller than its largest titanosaur relative. For instance, Patagotitan mayorum was about 130 feet in length and weighed a massive 70 tonnes. Titanomachya gimenez, on the other hand, weighed just about seven tonnes and was just as tall as a cow. Scientists measured the tibia and fibula fossils that they found to conclude that this titanosaur was nothing like the commonly known beast that a titanosaur is. In fact, the Titanomachya gimenez stood at just 6 feet tall. That's quite some dip for a giant species like titanosaurs. Their significance with respect to their smaller size, however, lies in the broader picture of dinosaur diversity during the late Cretaceous period. What is the project about? The discovery is part of an effort between the National Geographic Society and over 10 museums and universities in Argentina, including the Museo de La Plata. The project aims to bridge the gap in humanity's knowledge of the final 15 million years of the Cretaceous Period. It focuses on the dinosaurs and vertebrates that thrived in Patagonia during this critical period. Also watch | Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs × "The discovery of Titanomachya, adds to previous data suggesting there was a major ecological change as the Cretaceous [Period] was coming to an end, marked by the downsizing of titanosaurs, a decrease in their abundance, and the predominance of other herbivorous dinosaurs, such as hadrosaurs on the landscape," said National Geographic Explorer Diego Pol in a release. "This ecological shift in herbivorous dinosaurs occurred amidst changing climates and habitats, as well as the advance of the Atlantic Ocean over large parts of Patagonia." (With inputs from agencies)

A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina

Chinese researchers have published a paper claiming to have found a prehistoric tapeworm partially intact inside a sample of 100-million-year-old amber. The mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber was discovered in Myanmar. According to the scientists at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the discovery of a tapeworm from this era is extremely rare, and it could bear the traces of DNA of its prehistoric host.

Tapeworms span from less than one millimetre to over 30 metres in length. They can infect humans, and livestock and live in almost all kinds of environments.

The discovery indeed is fascinating and reeks of the beginning of the Sci-fi movie&nbsp;Jurassic Park, where scientists used prehistoric mosquito remains to extract the DNA from extinct creatures from a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

According to Luo Cihang, the first author of the study, “The current find is the most convincing body fossil of a platyhelminth ever found.”

<h2>The tapeworm may be carrying the DNA of dinosaurs</h2>

As per the research, the tapeworm might have hooked itself to the intestine of a host belonging to the Early Cretaceous period. The Cretaceous is usually noted for being the last portion of the "Age of Dinosaurs."&nbsp;

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It could mean that the tapeworm may be carrying DNA samples of various dinosaurs, including the large, meat-eating deinonychus, the horned carnotaurus, or a massive carcharodontosaurus, which boasted a bigger skull than a tyrannosaurus rex.

<h2>Host creature might be marine dinosaur</h2>

The study highlights that the amber was deposited into the amber on shore, indicating its host might have been a marine dinosaur. According to one theory, the host may have been trapped on land and died, causing the tapeworm to detach itself from the host’s intestine and move out of the body and into sticky amber.

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As per another theory, the sea creature which hosted the tapeworm might have been eaten by a land-roaming dinosaur. As and when its host was being eaten, the tapeworm would have made its way out and be stuck in the amber.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese researchers have published a paper claiming to have found a prehistoric tapeworm partially intact inside a sample of 100-million-year-old amber. The mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber was discovered in Myanmar.

Chinese researchers have published a paper claiming to have found a prehistoric tapeworm partially intact inside a sample of 100-million-year-old amber. The mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber was discovered in Myanmar. According to the scientists at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the discovery of a tapeworm from this era is extremely rare, and it could bear the traces of DNA of its prehistoric host. Tapeworms span from less than one millimetre to over 30 metres in length. They can infect humans, and livestock and live in almost all kinds of environments. The discovery indeed is fascinating and reeks of the beginning of the Sci-fi movie Jurassic Park, where scientists used prehistoric mosquito remains to extract the DNA from extinct creatures from a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. According to Luo Cihang, the first author of the study, “The current find is the most convincing body fossil of a platyhelminth ever found.” The tapeworm may be carrying the DNA of dinosaurs As per the research, the tapeworm might have hooked itself to the intestine of a host belonging to the Early Cretaceous period. The Cretaceous is usually noted for being the last portion of the "Age of Dinosaurs." Also read: How do seafloors transform into towering mountains? Scientists uncover crucial step It could mean that the tapeworm may be carrying DNA samples of various dinosaurs, including the large, meat-eating deinonychus, the horned carnotaurus, or a massive carcharodontosaurus, which boasted a bigger skull than a tyrannosaurus rex. Host creature might be marine dinosaur The study highlights that the amber was deposited into the amber on shore, indicating its host might have been a marine dinosaur. According to one theory, the host may have been trapped on land and died, causing the tapeworm to detach itself from the host’s intestine and move out of the body and into sticky amber. Also read: NASA`s Perseverance rover spots thousands of `unusual` white rocks on Mars As per another theory, the sea creature which hosted the tapeworm might have been eaten by a land-roaming dinosaur. As and when its host was being eaten, the tapeworm would have made its way out and be stuck in the amber. (With inputs from agencies)

This 100mn-year-old creature found in amber once lived inside dinosaurs

The giant sail-backed dinosaur, Spinosaurus, might've hunted in the shallow waters like a heron, not in deep waters, as previous studies suggested. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was one of the largest predators ever to walk on Earth during the Cretaceous, the final period in the time of dinosaurs.

The giant sail-backed dinosaur, Spinosaurus, might've hunted in the shallow waters like a heron, not in deep waters, as previous studies suggested. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was one of the largest predators ever to walk on Earth during the Cretaceous, the final period in the time of dinosaurs. According to the study published in PLOS ONE, this species from what is now Africa was about seven tonnes, more than a bull African elephant. Nathan Myhrvold, one of the study's authors, told Newsweek, "It's a very unique looking dinosaur because it has a huge 'sail' on its back." Palaeontologists generally agree that the Spinosaurus was a fish eater. However, there has been a debate about how the dinosaur species lived and hunted its prey. Some studies suggest that these dinosaurs waded or swam in the shallow waters near the shore to catch their prey. However, according to some studies, the Spinosaurus was an aquatic pursuit predator that searched for its prey by diving deep into the waters. The authors of the new study conducted a new analysis where they re-analysed the density of the dinosaur's bones to determine its life habits in water. They discussed an earlier study that supported the hypothesis that the Spinosaurus dived into deep water to catch its prey. The discussed study, authored by a different team led by Matteo Fabbri of the Field Museum of Natural History, was published in the journal Nature in 2020. In the new study, the authors said that the 2020 study might have significant flaws. "We showed that the data set they used for the method was not appropriate—a lot of statistical methods only work if the data has particular characteristics. The data in Fabbri et al did not have the necessary characteristics," Myhrvold said. ALSO READ | Arctic Ocean could experience ‘ice-free’ summer days within the next decade, says study Myhrvold and his team added that this hypothesis cannot be feasible at the biological level. They mentioned that the Spinosaurus and many other dinosaurs had air sacs in the bones of their spine, which provided so much buoyancy that they could not dive. "So the density of thigh and rib bones doesn't tell you whether a dinosaur could dive," Myhrvold said. While the new study does not settle the debate, Myhrold said their objective was to prove that the Spinosaurus did not hunt underwater. Their findings suggest that the dinosaur was not a swimming or diving predator that chased fish. "We find no evidence from bone density to suggest that Spinosaurus was anything other than what we have judged from many other lines of evidence in previous research—a semiaquatic, fish-eating predator that haunted shorelines and shallow water ambushing prey of all sizes," Paul Sereno, another author of the PLOS ONE study with the University of Chicago, said. "It may have waited in shallow water to ambush fish the way a heron does," Myhrvold said. In response, Fabbri said, "We don't think their data support their conclusions." He added, "Myrvhold et al. suggest that high bone density is present only in the legs, but this is incorrect: we recovered high density in the spines of the sail and tail, in the ribs, and even in the bones forming the hand." (With inputs from agencies)

This giant sail-backed dinosaur's hunting style is creating a furore among palaeontologists

The planet Earth is still full of mysteries. The more we deep dive into its formation and composition, the more we are left spellbound and shocked. One such shocking episode in the history of Earth is of the Carnian pluvial period, in which, it is believed that our planet received continuous rain for millions of years.&nbsp;

The non-stop downpour of years always intrigued researchers. This period helped sprout life on Blue Planet, and&nbsp;now the scientists think they know why and how.&nbsp;

<h2>When it rained on Earth for millions of years...</h2>

During the time of Pangea, which was approximately 200-300 million years ago, the Earth was a big supercontinent made up of the entire world’s land mass. Our planet was a completely different place back then.&nbsp;

Scientists believe, during that time, there was a period where it rained for about one to two million years. In the 1970s and 80s, geologists discovered unusual layers deposited in some of the ancient rocks that dated some 232-4 million years back.

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One team of researchers in the eastern Alps studied a layer of siliclastic sedimentation deposited within carbonate formations, while another team in the UK analysed a layer of grey rock embedded within the renowned red stone characteristic of the region.

These two findings, along with other studies from different parts of the world, pointed to a similar conclusion - at one point, the Earth had quite a long dry spell and then it began to rain.

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Geologists were able to conclude that at the beginning of the age of the dinosaurs, there was an unusually wet period. This period has come to be known as the Carnian pluvial event, or Carnian pluvial episode.&nbsp;

This fascinating event in the geological history of the Earth called for a greater understanding of why it started to rain for so long.

<h2>Massive volcanic eruption&nbsp;triggered rains for a prolonged period</h2>

Scientists now believe that the increase in humidity is attributed to a significant surge in moisture levels, possibly triggered by a massive volcanic eruption in the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province. Due to this, it rained for millions of years.&nbsp;

This event likely led to a rise in global temperatures, subsequently warming the oceans and increasing atmospheric moisture content.

A study published in the Journal of the Geological Society suggested that the wet period was advantageous for dinosaurs. This period of increased moisture allowed them to diversify, following a tumultuous era marked by frequent volcanic eruptions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-every-step-counts-study-finds-walking-over-2200-steps-a-day-reduces-risk-of-disease-early-death-697420">Every step counts! Study finds walking over 2,200 steps a day reduces risk of disease, early death</a>

The researchers wrote - “In the wake of wide extinctions of plants and key herbivores on land, the dinosaurs were seemingly the main beneficiaries in the time of recovery.”

"It may have been one of the most important [rapid events] in the history of life in terms of its role in allowing not only the ‘age of dinosaurs’ but also the origins of most key clades that form the modern fauna of terrestrial tetrapods, namely the turtles, crocodiles, lizards and mammals."

(With inputs from agencies)

The planet Earth is still full of mysteries. The more we deep dive into its formation and composition, the more we are left spellbound and shocked. One such shocking episode in the history of Earth is of the Carnian pluvial period, in which, it is believed that our planet received continuous rain for millions of years.

The planet Earth is still full of mysteries. The more we deep dive into its formation and composition, the more we are left spellbound and shocked. One such shocking episode in the history of Earth is of the Carnian pluvial period, in which, it is believed that our planet received continuous rain for millions of years. The non-stop downpour of years always intrigued researchers. This period helped sprout life on Blue Planet, and now the scientists think they know why and how. When it rained on Earth for millions of years... During the time of Pangea, which was approximately 200-300 million years ago, the Earth was a big supercontinent made up of the entire world’s land mass. Our planet was a completely different place back then. Scientists believe, during that time, there was a period where it rained for about one to two million years. In the 1970s and 80s, geologists discovered unusual layers deposited in some of the ancient rocks that dated some 232-4 million years back. Also Read | Russia, China plan to build joint nuclear power plant on moon by 2035 One team of researchers in the eastern Alps studied a layer of siliclastic sedimentation deposited within carbonate formations, while another team in the UK analysed a layer of grey rock embedded within the renowned red stone characteristic of the region. These two findings, along with other studies from different parts of the world, pointed to a similar conclusion - at one point, the Earth had quite a long dry spell and then it began to rain. Also Read | Arctic Ocean could experience ‘ice-free’ summer days within the next decade, says study Geologists were able to conclude that at the beginning of the age of the dinosaurs, there was an unusually wet period. This period has come to be known as the Carnian pluvial event, or Carnian pluvial episode. This fascinating event in the geological history of the Earth called for a greater understanding of why it started to rain for so long. Massive volcanic eruption triggered rains for a prolonged period Scientists now believe that the increase in humidity is attributed to a significant surge in moisture levels, possibly triggered by a massive volcanic eruption in the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province. Due to this, it rained for millions of years. This event likely led to a rise in global temperatures, subsequently warming the oceans and increasing atmospheric moisture content. A study published in the Journal of the Geological Society suggested that the wet period was advantageous for dinosaurs. This period of increased moisture allowed them to diversify, following a tumultuous era marked by frequent volcanic eruptions. Also Read | Every step counts! Study finds walking over 2,200 steps a day reduces risk of disease, early death The researchers wrote - “In the wake of wide extinctions of plants and key herbivores on land, the dinosaurs were seemingly the main beneficiaries in the time of recovery.” "It may have been one of the most important [rapid events] in the history of life in terms of its role in allowing not only the ‘age of dinosaurs’ but also the origins of most key clades that form the modern fauna of terrestrial tetrapods, namely the turtles, crocodiles, lizards and mammals." (With inputs from agencies)

It once rained for 2 million years on Earth and then dinosaurs reigned supreme

A man walking his dog found a bone, which turned out to be a 70-million-year-old dinosaur bone from a near-complete dinosaur fossil. Damien Boschetto, a 25-year-old man in France, came across a bone two years ago while walking his dog in a forest near Montouliers.

A man walking his dog found a bone, which turned out to be a 70-million-year-old dinosaur bone from a near-complete dinosaur fossil. Damien Boschetto, a 25-year-old man in France, came across a bone two years ago while walking his dog in a forest near Montouliers. He reported his discovery to local researchers at the Cultural, Archaeological and Paleontological Association (ACAP) in Cruzy. They found that the bone was part of a 30-foot-long-fossilised titanosaur. This dinosaur walked the land over 70 million years ago. "It happened one morning like any other, during an ordinary walk," Boschetto told local news FranceBleu. "While walking the dog, a landslide on the edge of the cliff exposed the bones of various skeletons. They were fallen bones, therefore isolated. We realised after a few days of excavations that they were connected bones," he added. The researchers discovered that the fossils were around 70 per cent complete. It belonged to the Titanosaur family of dinosaurs that roamed on Earth during the Cretaceous period. ALSO READ | 'Future of surgery' and space medicine: Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled surgery on ISS Titanosaurs included the brachiosaurus and diplodocus dinosaurs. They were massive creatures with a long neck and are believed to be the largest land animals to have ever existed. Moreover, they were herbivores who could reach up to 100 feet or above with their elongated necks and tails. "They probably all died at the same time, in a flash flood," Boschetto said. "We see traces of crocodile or carnivore bites." These dinosaurs had a sturdy vertebrae. It allowed them to reach towering heights while grazing on vegetation. Palaeontologists kept this discovery a secret for two years. They were worried that people would come to the site and damage the bones. Volunteers at the ACAP slowly extracted the titanosaur fossil, which has been taken to the museum in Cruzy recently. "In France, in the Upper Cretaceous, it is very rare, to find this, he [Boschetto] had to have the 'eye.' Some have passed for 30 years, they have not seen this site," the museum's founder, Francis Fage, said. "It is a flagship piece for the general public, to be able to admire a dinosaur in automatic connection like that," he said. Ever since the discovery, Boschetto has quit his job in the energy sector and intends to pursue a master's degree in palaeontology. (With inputs from agencies)

A man found a bone while walking his dog. What he discovered next was 'pre-historic'

An asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and in one stroke, started a process that resulted in the elimination of 75 per cent of life on Earth over the next decade and ended the reign of dinosaurs. It is almost unanimously held that the catastrophic event paved the way for mammals and other forms of life to thrive and for humans to ultimately develop. But did the asteroid help birds?

Modern birds have evolved from some of the smaller dinosaurs and it is held to be logical that in the food-deficient aftermath of the asteroid hit, smaller life-forms were able to survive as opposed to their much larger 'dino' counterparts. This eventually resulted in the evolution of the 'normal-sized' birds we see today.

But a study now contends that the asteroid hit did not have an effect on the evolution of birds as they had started diversifying even before the catastrophic event.

The study was published on Monday (Feb 12) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Watch | Alaskapox: The new killer virus claims its first victim

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To arrive at their conclusion, the scientists studied 124 bird species.

“We found that this catastrophe didn’t have an impact on modern birds,” said Dr Shaoyuan Wu, an evolutionary biologist at Jiangsu Normal University, China

As reported by The New York Times, the international team of researchers found during the study that birds that are alive today had a common ancestor 130 million years ago. The ancestor&nbsp;evolved into different birds over millennia. However, the researchers say that the 'family tree' of this evolution was splitting steadily, both before and after the asteroid hit.

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In other words, the asteroid hit in itself did not have an influence on the evolution of birds, contend the researchers.

The scientific community in general continues to study the asteroid impact that came close to eliminating life on Earth by causing huge tsunamis, massive forest fires and triggering a decade-long winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and in one stroke, started a process that resulted in the elimination of 75 per cent of life on Earth over the next decade and ended the reign of dinosaurs.

An asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and in one stroke, started a process that resulted in the elimination of 75 per cent of life on Earth over the next decade and ended the reign of dinosaurs. It is almost unanimously held that the catastrophic event paved the way for mammals and other forms of life to thrive and for humans to ultimately develop. But did the asteroid help birds? Modern birds have evolved from some of the smaller dinosaurs and it is held to be logical that in the food-deficient aftermath of the asteroid hit, smaller life-forms were able to survive as opposed to their much larger 'dino' counterparts. This eventually resulted in the evolution of the 'normal-sized' birds we see today. But a study now contends that the asteroid hit did not have an effect on the evolution of birds as they had started diversifying even before the catastrophic event. The study was published on Monday (Feb 12) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Watch | Alaskapox: The new killer virus claims its first victim × To arrive at their conclusion, the scientists studied 124 bird species. “We found that this catastrophe didn’t have an impact on modern birds,” said Dr Shaoyuan Wu, an evolutionary biologist at Jiangsu Normal University, China As reported by The New York Times, the international team of researchers found during the study that birds that are alive today had a common ancestor 130 million years ago. The ancestor evolved into different birds over millennia. However, the researchers say that the 'family tree' of this evolution was splitting steadily, both before and after the asteroid hit. Also read | 'Alien-faced' new species of millipede discovered in jungles of Tanzania In other words, the asteroid hit in itself did not have an influence on the evolution of birds, contend the researchers. The scientific community in general continues to study the asteroid impact that came close to eliminating life on Earth by causing huge tsunamis, massive forest fires and triggering a decade-long winter. (With inputs from agencies)

An asteroid hit ended dinosaurs' reign. But did birds flourish because of it?

The skull of a massive sea monster, a 2-metre-long pliosaur, that was&nbsp;found&nbsp;along the Jurassic Coast&nbsp;is now on public display at the Etches Collection. Discovered near Kimmeridge Bay, the fossilised snout was&nbsp;extracted from a rapidly eroding cliff face, as reported by BBC.

<h2>Discovery and extraction</h2>

Fossil enthusiast's discovery of the pliosaur's snout on a Kimmeridge Bay beach initiated a remarkable excavation.

Hanging precariously from ropes halfway down a deteriorating cliff face, a dedicated team extracted the rest of the colossal creature's skull. Although the remainder of the skeleton may still be embedded in the cliffs, there is hope for future recovery.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-largest-ever-dinosaur-footprint-left-over-160-million-years-ago-found-in-yorkshire-563166">Also read |&nbsp;UK: Largest-ever dinosaur footprint left over 160 million years ago found in Yorkshire</a>

<h2>Pliosaur anatomy</h2>

The pliosaur's exquisitely preserved skull showcases its immense predatory capabilities.

With a crocodile-like jaw housing 130 razor-sharp teeth and cavernous muscle-filled holes, it's envisioned as the ultimate killing machine.

Scientists estimate its bite force to rival that of a T. Rex, earning the nickname "sea rex." The creature, measuring 10-12 metres in length, possessed four paddle-like limbs for swift ocean navigation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Fossil found in Northeastern China shows pugnacious mammal attacking a dinosaur

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fossil-found-in-northeastern-china-shows-pugnacious-mammal-attacking-a-dinosaur-617624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pliosaurs, perched at the top of the prehistoric food chain, were known to feed voraciously, even preying on their own kind.

Evidence in collections reveals pliosaur bones marked with characteristic bite patterns, shedding light on their cannibalistic tendencies.

(With inputs from agencies)

The skull of a massive sea monster, a 2-metre-long pliosaur, that was found along the Jurassic Coast is now on public display at the Etches Collection. Discovered near Kimmeridge Bay, the fossilised snout was extracted from a rapidly eroding cliff face, as reported by BBC.

The skull of a massive sea monster, a 2-metre-long pliosaur, that was found along the Jurassic Coast is now on public display at the Etches Collection. Discovered near Kimmeridge Bay, the fossilised snout was extracted from a rapidly eroding cliff face, as reported by BBC. Discovery and extraction Fossil enthusiast's discovery of the pliosaur's snout on a Kimmeridge Bay beach initiated a remarkable excavation. Hanging precariously from ropes halfway down a deteriorating cliff face, a dedicated team extracted the rest of the colossal creature's skull. Although the remainder of the skeleton may still be embedded in the cliffs, there is hope for future recovery. Also read | UK: Largest-ever dinosaur footprint left over 160 million years ago found in Yorkshire Pliosaur anatomy The pliosaur's exquisitely preserved skull showcases its immense predatory capabilities. With a crocodile-like jaw housing 130 razor-sharp teeth and cavernous muscle-filled holes, it's envisioned as the ultimate killing machine. Scientists estimate its bite force to rival that of a T. Rex, earning the nickname "sea rex." The creature, measuring 10-12 metres in length, possessed four paddle-like limbs for swift ocean navigation. Also watch | Fossil found in Northeastern China shows pugnacious mammal attacking a dinosaur Pliosaurs, perched at the top of the prehistoric food chain, were known to feed voraciously, even preying on their own kind. Evidence in collections reveals pliosaur bones marked with characteristic bite patterns, shedding light on their cannibalistic tendencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive pliosaur sea monster skull on display at UK’s Etches Collection

Throughout history, faith has emerged as a universal thread woven through the tapestry of human experience. It manifests itself in a myriad of forms across cultures and beliefs. In India's Madhya Pradesh, faith and belief turned out to be caretakers of important natural relics from the past: dinosaur eggs.

<h2>Stone balls or something else?</h2>

In Madhya Pradesh's Dhar, the Mandaloi family has been worshipping palm-sized "stone balls" for generations.&nbsp;

A resident of the Padlya Village, 41-year-old Vesta Mandaloi was following in his forefathers' footsteps, worshipping these balls as "Kakar Bhairav" — or lord of the land.&nbsp;

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As per a Times Of India report, Vesta and his family believed that the stone balls were a 'Kuldevta' or a totem that would protect their farmland and cattle from problems and misfortunes. Like the Mandaloi family, others in Dhar and in adjoining areas too had similar totems they worshipped for protection.

However, a team of researchers revealed that these balls turned out to be something else. Experts from Lucknow's Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences during a field visit determined that these stone ball totems were actually dinosaur eggs from a bygone era.&nbsp;

After an analysis, they came to the conclusion that these balls were fossilised eggs of the Titanosaurs species of dinosaurs.

<h2>Titanosaurs</h2>

It is the first Indian dinosaur to be named and properly described. The species&nbsp;was recorded for the first time in 1877, and its name means 'titanic lizard'. Titanosaur&nbsp;is among the largest dinosaurs to have roamed the planet. As per estimates, the species roamed the region around 70 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-scientists-discover-dinosaur-nests-265-fossilised-eggs-in-madhya-pradeshs-narmada-valley-555318">India: Scientists discover dinosaur nests, 265 fossilised eggs in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmada Valley</a>

Earlier this year, more than 250 eggs of the titanic lizard that once roamed the Narmada valley were discovered in MP's Dhar district.

In January, a study, published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal PLOS One detailed field research carried out by a team of researchers from Delhi University (DU) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal. They had uncovered 92 nesting sites containing 256 fossil eggs belonging to titanosaurs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Throughout history, faith has emerged as a universal thread woven through the tapestry of human experience. It manifests itself in a myriad of forms across cultures and beliefs.

Throughout history, faith has emerged as a universal thread woven through the tapestry of human experience. It manifests itself in a myriad of forms across cultures and beliefs. In India's Madhya Pradesh, faith and belief turned out to be caretakers of important natural relics from the past: dinosaur eggs. Stone balls or something else? In Madhya Pradesh's Dhar, the Mandaloi family has been worshipping palm-sized "stone balls" for generations. A resident of the Padlya Village, 41-year-old Vesta Mandaloi was following in his forefathers' footsteps, worshipping these balls as "Kakar Bhairav" — or lord of the land. Also read | Chum salmon are breeding in Arctic, and it is 'an ominous sign’ for humanity As per a Times Of India report, Vesta and his family believed that the stone balls were a 'Kuldevta' or a totem that would protect their farmland and cattle from problems and misfortunes. Like the Mandaloi family, others in Dhar and in adjoining areas too had similar totems they worshipped for protection. However, a team of researchers revealed that these balls turned out to be something else. Experts from Lucknow's Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences during a field visit determined that these stone ball totems were actually dinosaur eggs from a bygone era. After an analysis, they came to the conclusion that these balls were fossilised eggs of the Titanosaurs species of dinosaurs. Titanosaurs It is the first Indian dinosaur to be named and properly described. The species was recorded for the first time in 1877, and its name means 'titanic lizard'. Titanosaur is among the largest dinosaurs to have roamed the planet. As per estimates, the species roamed the region around 70 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. Also read | India: Scientists discover dinosaur nests, 265 fossilised eggs in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmada Valley Earlier this year, more than 250 eggs of the titanic lizard that once roamed the Narmada valley were discovered in MP's Dhar district. In January, a study, published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal PLOS One detailed field research carried out by a team of researchers from Delhi University (DU) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal. They had uncovered 92 nesting sites containing 256 fossil eggs belonging to titanosaurs. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Madhya Pradesh family's sacred totem 'kuldevta' turns out to be dinosaur egg

Once upon a time, 72 million years ago, the Pacific seas were terrorised by a giant monster, called the "blue dragon".

As per research published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology, researchers have named the monster Wakayama Soryu, which means Blue Dragon.

<h2>Mind-blowing discovery</h2>

The apex predator was a mosasaur, an extinct, large marine reptile from the Late Cretaceous period. It has been named after Japan's Wakayama Prefecture&nbsp;where its fossil was found.

University of Cincinnati Associate Professor Takuya Konishi, along with a team of international co-authors, described the amazing discovery in the Palaeontology journal.

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Explaining the name, Konishi&nbsp;in a statement on the University of Cincinnati website&nbsp;said: "In China, dragons make thunder and live in the sky. They became aquatic in Japanese mythology."

The nearly complete fossil of the mosasaur was discovered by co-author Akihiro Misaki back in 2006.&nbsp;

At the time, Misaki was looking for fossils of invertebrates called ammonites&nbsp;when he stumbled upon an intriguing dark fossil in the sandstone.

The Wakayama Soryu fossil specimen is the most complete skeleton of a mosasaur ever found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific, said Konishi.&nbsp;

"In this case, it was nearly the entire specimen, which was astounding," said Konishi.

<h2>Wakayama Soryu: What it looked like</h2>

The apex predator, which haunted prehistoric waters, had unique features which made simple classification difficult.&nbsp;

As per researchers, it had a crocodile-like head and enormous paddle-shaped flippers. Its rear flippers were bigger than the front ones. Researchers speculate that "the large front fins might have helped with rapid manoeuvring, while its large rear fins might have provided pitch to dive or surface."&nbsp;

They also presume that, like other mosasaurs, the blue dragon's tail would have generated powerful and fast acceleration as it hunted fish and was used for propulsion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-teenager-tyrannosaur-feasted-on-two-baby-dinos-before-dying-study-668463">As a teenager, the tyrannosaur only ate baby dinosaurs, and a fossil is proof</a>

"It’s a question just how all five of these hydrodynamic surfaces were used. Which were for steering? Which for propulsion?" said Konishi.

"It opens a whole can of worms that challenges our understanding of how mosasaurs swim," he remarked.

Konishi, who has been studying mosasaurs for 15 years, said that the apex predator had a nearly binocular vision which made it a lethal hunter. The monstrous creature also had a dorsal fin similar to the great white shark and was as big as the modern predator — more than five feet long.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Once upon a time, 72 million years ago, the Pacific seas were terrorised by a giant monster, called the "blue dragon". As per research published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology, researchers have named the monster Wakayama Soryu, which means Blue Dragon.

Once upon a time, 72 million years ago, the Pacific seas were terrorised by a giant monster, called the "blue dragon". As per research published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology, researchers have named the monster Wakayama Soryu, which means Blue Dragon. Mind-blowing discovery The apex predator was a mosasaur, an extinct, large marine reptile from the Late Cretaceous period. It has been named after Japan's Wakayama Prefecture where its fossil was found. University of Cincinnati Associate Professor Takuya Konishi, along with a team of international co-authors, described the amazing discovery in the Palaeontology journal. Also read | Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope Explaining the name, Konishi in a statement on the University of Cincinnati website said: "In China, dragons make thunder and live in the sky. They became aquatic in Japanese mythology." The nearly complete fossil of the mosasaur was discovered by co-author Akihiro Misaki back in 2006. At the time, Misaki was looking for fossils of invertebrates called ammonites when he stumbled upon an intriguing dark fossil in the sandstone. The Wakayama Soryu fossil specimen is the most complete skeleton of a mosasaur ever found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific, said Konishi. "In this case, it was nearly the entire specimen, which was astounding," said Konishi. Wakayama Soryu: What it looked like The apex predator, which haunted prehistoric waters, had unique features which made simple classification difficult. As per researchers, it had a crocodile-like head and enormous paddle-shaped flippers. Its rear flippers were bigger than the front ones. Researchers speculate that "the large front fins might have helped with rapid manoeuvring, while its large rear fins might have provided pitch to dive or surface." They also presume that, like other mosasaurs, the blue dragon's tail would have generated powerful and fast acceleration as it hunted fish and was used for propulsion. Also read | As a teenager, the tyrannosaur only ate baby dinosaurs, and a fossil is proof "It’s a question just how all five of these hydrodynamic surfaces were used. Which were for steering? Which for propulsion?" said Konishi. "It opens a whole can of worms that challenges our understanding of how mosasaurs swim," he remarked. Konishi, who has been studying mosasaurs for 15 years, said that the apex predator had a nearly binocular vision which made it a lethal hunter. The monstrous creature also had a dorsal fin similar to the great white shark and was as big as the modern predator — more than five feet long. (With inputs from agencies)

A giant blue dragon mosasaur roamed the Pacific waters 72 million years ago

The Royal Mint, the United Kingdom's coin producer, has introduced a new series of&nbsp;coins featuring the once mighty overlords that ruled the Earth before humans: Dinosaurs.&nbsp;

Its new series of collectable 50p coins showcase dinosaur species.

<h2>'Tales of Earth'</h2>

The coins have been released in partnership with the United Kingdom's Natural History Museum.

The first coin of this series features the apex predator Tyrannosaurus Rex, aka&nbsp;T-rex.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-giant-blue-dragon-monster-haunted-prehistoric-waters-of-the-pacific-ocean-72-million-years-ago-669185">A giant blue dragon mosasaur roamed the Pacific waters 72 million years ago</a>

This collection comes in&nbsp;three parts. It has two more coins, one of which will display the Stegosaurus, and a third one will have Diplodocus.

Prices of the coin start at £11 ($13.90), and the most expensive join in this collection is the Gold Proof Coin carrying the price tag of £1,220 ($1541.51). The coins are available for purchase on the Royal Mint website.

<h2>The Dinosaurs&nbsp;</h2>

This collection, as per Reuters, is the first time the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex has been depicted on a UK fifty pence. It is the only carnivore dinosaur featured in this collection. The other two — Stegosaurus and Diplodocus, are both herbivores.

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Paleo-artist Robert Nicholls is behind the design of these coins, which was done in collaboration with the Natural History Museum's Professor Paul Barrett.

The coin designs, as per the news agency, offer accurate reconstructions of the dinosaurs and their habitats, based on current understanding. To bring the huge creatures to life, some coins will even feature colours.&nbsp;

<h2>Design challenges</h2>

Talking to Reuters, Nicholls explained that the designs were constructed from the inside out, focusing on getting their anatomy and proportions right. However, featuring such large creatures on the small 50p coins was a challenge.&nbsp;

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"T-rex is a very big animal and trying to make something that big look large on such a small coin is a real challenge. So what I did with T-rex was to make sure we were looking up at the animal so that helps give it a sense if scale, make it look large which is difficult to do on such a small coin," he said.

"So the unique challenge for the diplodocus coin was fitting an animal so long, with such a long tail and long neck, into essentially a round shape. That was really difficult to overcome. So I managed to do it by using forced perspective and bringing the head towards us and twisting the tail away from us."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Royal Mint, the United Kingdom's coin producer, has introduced a new series of coins featuring the once mighty overlords that ruled the Earth before humans: Dinosaurs.

The Royal Mint, the United Kingdom's coin producer, has introduced a new series of coins featuring the once mighty overlords that ruled the Earth before humans: Dinosaurs. Its new series of collectable 50p coins showcase dinosaur species. 'Tales of Earth' The coins have been released in partnership with the United Kingdom's Natural History Museum. The first coin of this series features the apex predator Tyrannosaurus Rex, aka T-rex. Also read | A giant blue dragon mosasaur roamed the Pacific waters 72 million years ago This collection comes in three parts. It has two more coins, one of which will display the Stegosaurus, and a third one will have Diplodocus. Prices of the coin start at £11 ($13.90), and the most expensive join in this collection is the Gold Proof Coin carrying the price tag of £1,220 ($1541.51). The coins are available for purchase on the Royal Mint website. The Dinosaurs This collection, as per Reuters, is the first time the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex has been depicted on a UK fifty pence. It is the only carnivore dinosaur featured in this collection. The other two — Stegosaurus and Diplodocus, are both herbivores. Also read | 'Awful...but that's what happens in war': Israelis want Hamas crushed despite Gaza casualties Paleo-artist Robert Nicholls is behind the design of these coins, which was done in collaboration with the Natural History Museum's Professor Paul Barrett. The coin designs, as per the news agency, offer accurate reconstructions of the dinosaurs and their habitats, based on current understanding. To bring the huge creatures to life, some coins will even feature colours. Design challenges Talking to Reuters, Nicholls explained that the designs were constructed from the inside out, focusing on getting their anatomy and proportions right. However, featuring such large creatures on the small 50p coins was a challenge. Also read | Killer instinct: Cats kill more than 2,000 species globally, trigger conservation concern "T-rex is a very big animal and trying to make something that big look large on such a small coin is a real challenge. So what I did with T-rex was to make sure we were looking up at the animal so that helps give it a sense if scale, make it look large which is difficult to do on such a small coin," he said. "So the unique challenge for the diplodocus coin was fitting an animal so long, with such a long tail and long neck, into essentially a round shape. That was really difficult to overcome. So I managed to do it by using forced perspective and bringing the head towards us and twisting the tail away from us." (With inputs from agencies)

Prehistoric Pounds: UK Royal Mint's dinosaur 50p coin series takes a leap into the past

A forest officer in England stumbled upon the footprint of a dinosaur that is believed to be at least 140 million years old.

During a routine jogging last Sunday (Nov 12), National Trust ranger Sophie Giles chanced upon the fossilised treasure on the grounds of Brownsea Castle, in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

The footprint is believed to belong to Iguanodon— a three-toed bulky herbivore which was 36ft long and lived between 157 and 93 million years ago, around the Mesozoic Era, the Telegraph reported.

<h2>Footprint fossilised for thousands of years&nbsp;</h2>

According to experts, the foot was imprinted when the area was covered in tropical forests and swamps. As a result, it fossilised over thousands of years and became easier to see after it filled with water during a rain shower.

Local media reports say that the region is known for its Jurassic coastline and is abound with dinosaur footprints. Every year, it attracts hundreds of fossil hunters from around the world.

It is thought that the rock originated from the nearby Isle of Purbeck peninsula, where dinosaur footprints have been found near the village of Langton Matravers.

Posting about the "exciting find" on social media, the National Trust said: "We believe that the rock may have come from the Isle of Purbeck, where you can already see many dinosaur footprints at Langton Matravers."

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<h2>Discovery creates excitement&nbsp;</h2>

The organisation said that it is actively seeking further research to uncover further details about the identity and history of this ancient relic.

Commenting on the discovery, Dr Martin Munt, curator of the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight, confirmed to BBC that the latest footprint clearly came from a three-toed dinosaur.

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&nbsp;“It is certainly what we call a tridactyl (three-toed) footprint, of the date we are talking about it could have been made by an iguanodon or related dinosaur,” he was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

A forest officer in England stumbled upon the footprint of a dinosaur that is believed to be at least 140 million years old. During a routine jogging last Sunday (Nov 12), National Trust ranger Sophie Giles chanced upon the fossilised treasure on the grounds of Brownsea Castle, in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

A forest officer in England stumbled upon the footprint of a dinosaur that is believed to be at least 140 million years old. During a routine jogging last Sunday (Nov 12), National Trust ranger Sophie Giles chanced upon the fossilised treasure on the grounds of Brownsea Castle, in Poole Harbour, Dorset. The footprint is believed to belong to Iguanodon— a three-toed bulky herbivore which was 36ft long and lived between 157 and 93 million years ago, around the Mesozoic Era, the Telegraph reported. Footprint fossilised for thousands of years According to experts, the foot was imprinted when the area was covered in tropical forests and swamps. As a result, it fossilised over thousands of years and became easier to see after it filled with water during a rain shower. Local media reports say that the region is known for its Jurassic coastline and is abound with dinosaur footprints. Every year, it attracts hundreds of fossil hunters from around the world. It is thought that the rock originated from the nearby Isle of Purbeck peninsula, where dinosaur footprints have been found near the village of Langton Matravers. Posting about the "exciting find" on social media, the National Trust said: "We believe that the rock may have come from the Isle of Purbeck, where you can already see many dinosaur footprints at Langton Matravers." Also read | Osama bin Laden’s 21-yr-old letter goes viral after TikTok influencers promote it, netizens say 'eyes opened' Discovery creates excitement The organisation said that it is actively seeking further research to uncover further details about the identity and history of this ancient relic. Commenting on the discovery, Dr Martin Munt, curator of the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown, on the Isle of Wight, confirmed to BBC that the latest footprint clearly came from a three-toed dinosaur. Also read | Sinkholes, tunnels: Staggering wealth of microbial life in Mexico’s underwater labyrinth unravelled “It is certainly what we call a tridactyl (three-toed) footprint, of the date we are talking about it could have been made by an iguanodon or related dinosaur,” he was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Forest officer stumbles upon 140-million-year-old dinosaur footprint while jogging

A newly found species of dinosaur that existed some 70 million years ago has been discovered recently and it has some bizarre features. Paleontologists found the fossilised remains of the new species, Jaculinykus yaruui, in the secluded locality of Gobi Desert in south Mongolia. The research was published in the journal PLOS One.&nbsp;

An interesting aspect of the newly found dinosaur species was the way in which it was found. Researchers discovered it in an unusual resting position that draws similarity to the sleeping style of modern birds. In circles of paleontologists, this is a rare find for a dinosaur.&nbsp;

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<h2>A major discovery&nbsp;</h2>

As per the researchers, this is a major discovery, especially as it shed light on the evolution of avian behaviour and present a new perspective.

The most fascinating aspect of the discovery is that the specimen was found in a position that suggests it was sleeping when it died.

The J. yaruui specimen consists of a nearly complete and "exceptionally" well-preserved skeleton, which the authors of the study found to represent a lineage of small theropod dinosaurs known as the alvarezsaurids.

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These dinosaurs are known primarily from the Gobi Desert's Nemegt Basin, where J. yaruui was found. They have been discovered in several other locations as well, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia.

Kohta Kubo, an author of the study with the Paleobiology Research Group at Hokkaido University, Japan, told Newsweek that these dinosaurs had many bird-like features with several “unique” characteristics.

<h2>Characteristics of newly-found dinosaur fossils</h2>

The fossils found belong to the Late Jurassic period (around 163-145 million years ago) and the Cretaceous period (around 145-66 million years ago).&nbsp;

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As per the study, Jaculinykus yaruui was a small dinosaur that measured around 3 feet in length and likely weighed less than 65 pounds. It had a lightweight, bird-like skull with large eye sockets, and extremely short forelimbs with two fingers and legs that were proportionally very long compared to the rest of the body, implying that it had advanced running abilities.

The first part of its scientific name, "Jaculinykus", consists of a reference to a small dragon or serpent from Greek mythology ("Jaculus") and the Latin word "onykus", which means claw. The second part of the name, "yaruui", is derived from the Mongolian word "yaruu" meaning speedy or hasty.

(With inputs from agencies)

A newly found species of dinosaur that existed some 70 million years ago has been discovered recently and it has some bizarre features. Paleontologists found the fossilised remains of the new species, Jaculinykus yaruui, in the secluded locality of Gobi Desert in south Mongolia.

A newly found species of dinosaur that existed some 70 million years ago has been discovered recently and it has some bizarre features. Paleontologists found the fossilised remains of the new species, Jaculinykus yaruui, in the secluded locality of Gobi Desert in south Mongolia. The research was published in the journal PLOS One. An interesting aspect of the newly found dinosaur species was the way in which it was found. Researchers discovered it in an unusual resting position that draws similarity to the sleeping style of modern birds. In circles of paleontologists, this is a rare find for a dinosaur. Also Read | A star exploded 1.9 billion light-years away and our Ozone layer took the hit A major discovery As per the researchers, this is a major discovery, especially as it shed light on the evolution of avian behaviour and present a new perspective. The most fascinating aspect of the discovery is that the specimen was found in a position that suggests it was sleeping when it died. The J. yaruui specimen consists of a nearly complete and "exceptionally" well-preserved skeleton, which the authors of the study found to represent a lineage of small theropod dinosaurs known as the alvarezsaurids. Also Read | NASA baffled by Minnesota sky's mysterious sonic boom and flash. Watch These dinosaurs are known primarily from the Gobi Desert's Nemegt Basin, where J. yaruui was found. They have been discovered in several other locations as well, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia. Kohta Kubo, an author of the study with the Paleobiology Research Group at Hokkaido University, Japan, told Newsweek that these dinosaurs had many bird-like features with several “unique” characteristics. Characteristics of newly-found dinosaur fossils The fossils found belong to the Late Jurassic period (around 163-145 million years ago) and the Cretaceous period (around 145-66 million years ago). Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 rocket's part made uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere As per the study, Jaculinykus yaruui was a small dinosaur that measured around 3 feet in length and likely weighed less than 65 pounds. It had a lightweight, bird-like skull with large eye sockets, and extremely short forelimbs with two fingers and legs that were proportionally very long compared to the rest of the body, implying that it had advanced running abilities. The first part of its scientific name, "Jaculinykus", consists of a reference to a small dragon or serpent from Greek mythology ("Jaculus") and the Latin word "onykus", which means claw. The second part of the name, "yaruui", is derived from the Mongolian word "yaruu" meaning speedy or hasty. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare! Researchers find 70-million-year old dinosaur species that slept like modern-day birds

Komodo Dragons may not be the fire-breathing beast we encounter in fantasy stories but the very real, meat-eating lizard is perfectly capable of turning you into its meal even when you are running away as fast as you can. If you don't die a horrific death right away a single bite from its deadly bacteria-filled mouth can make you conclude your earthly business in a matter of days.

Now imagine you are taking a swim away from a shore infested with Komodo dragons, and a similar creature, but with flippers comes to eat you, removing all illusions of safety.

You can't catch a break, can you?

A giant swimming lizard may indeed have been a nighmare of aquatic creatures millions of years ago as it indeed existed in pre-historic waters. This new species of what's called a mosasaur is being likened to a swimming Komodo dragon.

This study has been reported by Popular Science.

“If you put flippers on a Komodo dragon and made it really big, that’s what it would have looked like,” study co-author and Richard Gilder Graduate School PhD student Amelia Zietlow, said in a statement, as quoted in Popular Science.

The word 'moasasaurus' reported predates even the word ''dinosaur' by a good couple decades. The first mosasaur was found 200 years ago.

The newer find however, has been made by researchers in North Dakota. An extensive analysis of the skeleton of the mosasaur revealed that it was a new species.

The new specimen has flippers and is about 24 feet long. It reportedly has a shark-like tail. It has a bony ridge on the skull and that means it may have had "angry eyebrows".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancient-supervolcano-in-us-believe-to-contain-huge-lithium-deposits-that-can-transform-the-world-635907">This ancient supervolcano is a treasure trove of lithium. Here's why it matters</a>

The new species has been named Jormungandr walhallaensis.&nbsp;

Jormungandr is a giant serpent in Norse Mythology who fought with Thor during Ragnarok, that is, 'the end of the world'.

This mosasaur swam the pre-historic oceans 80 million years ago, that means during the late Cretaceous period.

“This fossil is coming from a geologic time in the United States that we don’t really understand,” said Clint Boyd of North Dakota Geological Survey.

The study has been published in American Museum of Natural History. 
 
 
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Komodo Dragons may not be the fire-breathing beast we encounter in fantasy stories but the very real, meat-eating lizard is perfectly capable of turning you into its meal even when you are running away as fast as you can.

Komodo Dragons may not be the fire-breathing beast we encounter in fantasy stories but the very real, meat-eating lizard is perfectly capable of turning you into its meal even when you are running away as fast as you can. If you don't die a horrific death right away a single bite from its deadly bacteria-filled mouth can make you conclude your earthly business in a matter of days. Now imagine you are taking a swim away from a shore infested with Komodo dragons, and a similar creature, but with flippers comes to eat you, removing all illusions of safety. You can't catch a break, can you? A giant swimming lizard may indeed have been a nighmare of aquatic creatures millions of years ago as it indeed existed in pre-historic waters. This new species of what's called a mosasaur is being likened to a swimming Komodo dragon. This study has been reported by Popular Science. “If you put flippers on a Komodo dragon and made it really big, that’s what it would have looked like,” study co-author and Richard Gilder Graduate School PhD student Amelia Zietlow, said in a statement, as quoted in Popular Science. The word 'moasasaurus' reported predates even the word ''dinosaur' by a good couple decades. The first mosasaur was found 200 years ago. The newer find however, has been made by researchers in North Dakota. An extensive analysis of the skeleton of the mosasaur revealed that it was a new species. The new specimen has flippers and is about 24 feet long. It reportedly has a shark-like tail. It has a bony ridge on the skull and that means it may have had "angry eyebrows". Also Read | This ancient supervolcano is a treasure trove of lithium. Here's why it matters The new species has been named Jormungandr walhallaensis. Jormungandr is a giant serpent in Norse Mythology who fought with Thor during Ragnarok, that is, 'the end of the world'. This mosasaur swam the pre-historic oceans 80 million years ago, that means during the late Cretaceous period. “This fossil is coming from a geologic time in the United States that we don’t really understand,” said Clint Boyd of North Dakota Geological Survey. The study has been published in American Museum of Natural History. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Yikes! This newfound mosasaur species was a 24-foot-long sea monster

In a bizarre&nbsp;case, four people in the United States have been accused of buying and reselling "paleontological resources" valued at over $1 million. Among these resources are dinosaur bones that were illicitly exported to China.

This not only constitutes a breach of federal law but also runs afoul of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. These alleged misdeeds spanned a period of five years, commencing in March 2018 and culminating in March 2023, reported NBC news.

<h2>Who have been accused?</h2>

Utah residents Vint Wade and Donna Wade, aged 65 and 67, and Steven Willing (67) along with his son, Jordan Willing (40), hailing from Los Angeles and Oregon are the accused in the case.&nbsp;

All four individuals are confronting a barrage of charges stemming from their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of paleontological resources, in direct violation of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act.

The Act classifies paleontological resources as fossilised remains, traces, or imprints of organisms that are preserved in or on the Earth's crust, holding significant paleontological interest.

They&nbsp;stand accused of acquiring, relocating, and exporting dinosaur bones from federal lands, resulting in a total value exceeding $1 million.

This unlawful operation included the extraction of paleontological materials, primarily dinosaur bones, from federal and state lands located in southeastern Utah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sperm-caught-breaking-newtons-third-law-of-motion-know-how-650556">Also read |&nbsp;Human sperm is breaking one of Newton's laws of motion and the finding may be revolutionary</a>

Prosecutors contend that the Wades accumulated these paleontological materials with the intent to sell them to national merchants and to showcase them at gem and mineral exhibitions.

Furthermore, it is alleged that they sold paleontological materials to Jordan and Steven Willing. The Willings, acting through their business entity, JMW Sales Inc., are accused of deliberately mislabelling the dinosaur bones to reduce their perceived value before exporting them to China.&nbsp;

"By removing and processing these dinosaur bones to make consumer products for profit, tens of thousands of pounds of dinosaur bones have lost virtually all scientific value, leaving future generations unable to experience the science and wonder of these bones on Federal land," US Attorney Trina A. Higgins stated.&nbsp;

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In a bizarre case, four people in the United States have been accused of buying and reselling "paleontological resources" valued at over $1 million. Among these resources are dinosaur bones that were illicitly exported to China.

In a bizarre case, four people in the United States have been accused of buying and reselling "paleontological resources" valued at over $1 million. Among these resources are dinosaur bones that were illicitly exported to China. This not only constitutes a breach of federal law but also runs afoul of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. These alleged misdeeds spanned a period of five years, commencing in March 2018 and culminating in March 2023, reported NBC news. Who have been accused? Utah residents Vint Wade and Donna Wade, aged 65 and 67, and Steven Willing (67) along with his son, Jordan Willing (40), hailing from Los Angeles and Oregon are the accused in the case. All four individuals are confronting a barrage of charges stemming from their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of paleontological resources, in direct violation of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. The Act classifies paleontological resources as fossilised remains, traces, or imprints of organisms that are preserved in or on the Earth's crust, holding significant paleontological interest. They stand accused of acquiring, relocating, and exporting dinosaur bones from federal lands, resulting in a total value exceeding $1 million. This unlawful operation included the extraction of paleontological materials, primarily dinosaur bones, from federal and state lands located in southeastern Utah. Also read | Human sperm is breaking one of Newton's laws of motion and the finding may be revolutionary Prosecutors contend that the Wades accumulated these paleontological materials with the intent to sell them to national merchants and to showcase them at gem and mineral exhibitions. Furthermore, it is alleged that they sold paleontological materials to Jordan and Steven Willing. The Willings, acting through their business entity, JMW Sales Inc., are accused of deliberately mislabelling the dinosaur bones to reduce their perceived value before exporting them to China. "By removing and processing these dinosaur bones to make consumer products for profit, tens of thousands of pounds of dinosaur bones have lost virtually all scientific value, leaving future generations unable to experience the science and wonder of these bones on Federal land," US Attorney Trina A. Higgins stated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Four accused of stealing dinosaur bones worth $1 million and selling them to China

Some 122 million years ago, Spain was home to a massive never-seen-before dinosaur, new fossils show. The newly described species has been named Garumbatitan morellensis, and it was found during excavations at the Sant Antoni de la Vespa fossil site near the city of Morella.

Researchers have described their findings in a new study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society on September 28.

<h2>A titan of yesterday</h2>

The sauropod fossil — dinosaurs with long necks, long tails, small heads, and four thick, pillar-like legs &nbsp;— was found during an excavation more than a decade ago, between 2005 and 2008.&nbsp;

Garumbatitan morellensis was a Titanosaur species, which is a subgroup of sauropods, and it was the only lineage to survive until the dinosaur-killing asteroid struck around 66 million years ago. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-2023-mission-to-moon-to-feature-prada-spacesuits-643229">NASA's 2023 Mission to Moon to feature Prada spacesuits</a>

During the excavation, researchers uncovered the remains of not just one, but three individuals. Remains include massive vertebrae, lengthy leg bones and two near-complete sets of foot bones, which reportedly is an extremely rare find for sauropods.&nbsp;

These massive fossils, as per estimates, date back to the Lower Cretaceous period (some 145 to 66 million years ago).

<h2>Titanosaurs</h2>

Garumbatitan morellensis, as per scientists, was a pretty average-sized Titanosaur, a subgroup used to classify the most massive sauropods.

While Titanosaurs were the heaviest sauropods, as per Live Science, they were not the longest. That title is reserved for Supersaurus, an as-of-yet unspecified sauropod species that stretched to 128 feet or 39 metres long.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/europeans-would-eat-not-bury-their-dead-15000-years-ago-study-643032">Europeans would eat, not bury, their dead 15,000 years ago: Study</a>

Garumbatitan morellensis's unusual bone shape, as per Live Science, suggests that the massive dinosaur was quite primitive. The discovery, as per the report, could help scientists better understand the evolution of these gigantic, long-necked dinosaurs.&nbsp;

These titans belonged to the sub-group Somphospondyli, whose fossils have been found on every modern-day continent. However, it is unclear where the Somphospondyli may have originated. The long-necked dinosaur discovery in Spain hints at the possibility that Europe may be where they first roamed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Some 122 million years ago, Spain was home to a massive never-seen-before dinosaur, new fossils show. The newly described species has been named Garumbatitan morellensis, and it was found during excavations at the Sant Antoni de la Vespa fossil site near the city of Morella.

Some 122 million years ago, Spain was home to a massive never-seen-before dinosaur, new fossils show. The newly described species has been named Garumbatitan morellensis, and it was found during excavations at the Sant Antoni de la Vespa fossil site near the city of Morella. Researchers have described their findings in a new study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society on September 28. A titan of yesterday The sauropod fossil — dinosaurs with long necks, long tails, small heads, and four thick, pillar-like legs — was found during an excavation more than a decade ago, between 2005 and 2008. Garumbatitan morellensis was a Titanosaur species, which is a subgroup of sauropods, and it was the only lineage to survive until the dinosaur-killing asteroid struck around 66 million years ago. Also read | NASA's 2023 Mission to Moon to feature Prada spacesuits During the excavation, researchers uncovered the remains of not just one, but three individuals. Remains include massive vertebrae, lengthy leg bones and two near-complete sets of foot bones, which reportedly is an extremely rare find for sauropods. These massive fossils, as per estimates, date back to the Lower Cretaceous period (some 145 to 66 million years ago). Titanosaurs Garumbatitan morellensis, as per scientists, was a pretty average-sized Titanosaur, a subgroup used to classify the most massive sauropods. While Titanosaurs were the heaviest sauropods, as per Live Science, they were not the longest. That title is reserved for Supersaurus, an as-of-yet unspecified sauropod species that stretched to 128 feet or 39 metres long. Also read | Europeans would eat, not bury, their dead 15,000 years ago: Study Garumbatitan morellensis's unusual bone shape, as per Live Science, suggests that the massive dinosaur was quite primitive. The discovery, as per the report, could help scientists better understand the evolution of these gigantic, long-necked dinosaurs. These titans belonged to the sub-group Somphospondyli, whose fossils have been found on every modern-day continent. However, it is unclear where the Somphospondyli may have originated. The long-necked dinosaur discovery in Spain hints at the possibility that Europe may be where they first roamed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists discover massive long-necked dinosaur 'titan' in Spain

An extremely rare, well-preserved dinosaur skeleton will be sold at an auction in Paris next month.&nbsp;The reptile, dated to be 150 million-year-old is a camptosaurus,&nbsp;going by the nickname 'Barry'.&nbsp;

Barry, standing tall at 2.1 metres and five&nbsp;metres wide, was first discovered in&nbsp;Wyoming in the 1990s. It was initially restored in 2000 by palaeontologist Barry James, from whom it got its name.&nbsp;

Currently, Barry is with the Italian laboratory Zoic which acquired the precious skeleton last year and has done additional restoration work on the body.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alexandre Giquello, representative of the Paris auction house Drouot, where the sale will take place, said Barry "is an extremely well-preserved specimen, which is quite rare".&nbsp;

"The skull is complete at 90 per cent&nbsp;and the rest of the dinosaur is complete at 80 per cent," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/europe/64yearold-trex-skeleton-sold-for-61-million-1681895181869">Watch |&nbsp;64-year-old T-Rex Skeleton sold for $6.1 million</a>

According to the auction house, the skeleton, which will be presented to the public in mid-October, is currently valued above $1.28 million. Experts, however, believe that the figure is rather conservative and it may go up as the auction date (October 20) approaches.&nbsp;

<h2>T-Rex skeleton fetches record amount</h2>

Dinosaur skeletons and other specimens belonging to the majestic reptile that once roamed the face of the Earth remain highly sought after by collectors. No more than a couple of sales take place in a year worldwide which attracts enormous attention.&nbsp;

Notably, in April, a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus-Rex skeleton named 'Trinity' was auctioned in Switzerland. It was the first time that an entire T-Rex skeleton had gone under the hammer and fetched a record sum of $6.1 million at the Koller auction house.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-shark-toothed-dinosaur-gave-tough-competition-to-t-rex-411826" target="_blank">Read more: This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex</a>

Trinity had been composed using the bone material of three T-Rex specimens. They were excavated between 2008-2013 in the US states of Montana and Wyoming. The Hell Creek and Lance Creek formations in the respective states are well-known for the discoveries of two other T-Rex skeletons that have gone under the hammer.&nbsp;

The sale was rare as only 32 skeletons of adult T-Rex&nbsp;- one of the largest apex predators to have ever lived - have been discovered worldwide.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An extremely rare, well-preserved dinosaur skeleton will be sold at an auction in Paris next month. The reptile, dated to be 150 million-year-old is a camptosaurus, going by the nickname 'Barry'.

An extremely rare, well-preserved dinosaur skeleton will be sold at an auction in Paris next month. The reptile, dated to be 150 million-year-old is a camptosaurus, going by the nickname 'Barry'. Barry, standing tall at 2.1 metres and five metres wide, was first discovered in Wyoming in the 1990s. It was initially restored in 2000 by palaeontologist Barry James, from whom it got its name. Currently, Barry is with the Italian laboratory Zoic which acquired the precious skeleton last year and has done additional restoration work on the body. Alexandre Giquello, representative of the Paris auction house Drouot, where the sale will take place, said Barry "is an extremely well-preserved specimen, which is quite rare". "The skull is complete at 90 per cent and the rest of the dinosaur is complete at 80 per cent," he said. Watch | 64-year-old T-Rex Skeleton sold for $6.1 million According to the auction house, the skeleton, which will be presented to the public in mid-October, is currently valued above $1.28 million. Experts, however, believe that the figure is rather conservative and it may go up as the auction date (October 20) approaches. T-Rex skeleton fetches record amount Dinosaur skeletons and other specimens belonging to the majestic reptile that once roamed the face of the Earth remain highly sought after by collectors. No more than a couple of sales take place in a year worldwide which attracts enormous attention. Notably, in April, a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus-Rex skeleton named 'Trinity' was auctioned in Switzerland. It was the first time that an entire T-Rex skeleton had gone under the hammer and fetched a record sum of $6.1 million at the Koller auction house. Read more: This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex Trinity had been composed using the bone material of three T-Rex specimens. They were excavated between 2008-2013 in the US states of Montana and Wyoming. The Hell Creek and Lance Creek formations in the respective states are well-known for the discoveries of two other T-Rex skeletons that have gone under the hammer. The sale was rare as only 32 skeletons of adult T-Rex - one of the largest apex predators to have ever lived - have been discovered worldwide. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Barry, a 150-million-year-old rare dinosaur to be auctioned in Europe

Scientists in China have found fossils of a tiny bird-like dinosaur with a long lower leg. The "bizarre" fossil suggests that this strange pheasant-sized dinosaur inhabited southeast China about 148 to 150 million years ago.&nbsp;

It has elongated legs and arms built much like wings. It also had a baffling anatomy, which suggests that it either was a fast runner or lived a lifestyle like a modern wading bird.&nbsp;

The fossilised remains, which were unearthed in 2022, show it to be one of the earliest bird-like dinosaurs to date from the Jurassic period.&nbsp;

Researchers have named it Fujianvenator prodigiosus and described their discovery in a paper published on Wednesday (September 6) in the journal Nature.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lab-grown-fruit-scientists-in-new-zealand-find-new-way-to-tackle-rising-food-insecurity-633361">Lab-grown fruit: Scientists in New Zealand find new way to tackle rising food insecurity</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the journal, Mark Loewen, who is a palaeontologist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, said: "This is really a weird animal within the group of birds." Notably, Loewen was not involved in the discovery.&nbsp;

Scientists have unearthed the fossil in Fujian Province. They believe that the creature sheds light on a critical evolutionary stage in the origin of birds.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, study leader Min Wang, a palaeontologist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the definition of Fujianvenator will be based on the classification of this mixture of skeletal features.&nbsp;

On being asked about how Fujianvenator should be described, Wang replied, "I would say 'bizarre'. Fujianvenator is far from similar to any modern birds."&nbsp;

"The forelimb is generally built like a bird's wing, but with three claws on the fingers, which are absent from modern birds. So you can call it wing. It cannot be determined whether it could fly or not. Based on the skeletal features, Fujianvenator probably is at least not good at flying," Wang said.

"The fossil itself does not preserve feathers. However, its closest relatives and nearly all the known avialan theropods have feathers, and feathers are widely distributed among dinosaurs. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if Fujianvenator had feathers," Wang added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-found-mysterious-never-seen-before-spooky-golden-egg-at-the-bottom-of-pacific-ocean-633260">Scientists find mysterious never-seen-before 'spooky golden egg' at the bottom of Pacific Ocean</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'Artificial embryos' created in Israel | Does this change the idea of life?&nbsp;

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<h2>What does the history say?&nbsp;</h2>

The study of dinosaurs tells that a significant event in their evolution came when small feathered two-legged dinosaurs from a lineage known as theropods gave rise to birds late in the Jurassic. The oldest-known bird - Archaeopteryx - dates to roughly 150 million years ago in Germany.&nbsp;

Wang said that Fujianvenator is an avialan, which comprises all birds and their closest non-avian dinosaur cousins. Despite their humble beginnings, birds survived the asteroid catastrophe that killed their non-avian dinosaur brethren 66 million years ago.&nbsp;

The Fujianvenator fossil, discovered last October, is quite complete but lacking the animal's skull and sections of its feet, making interpretation of its nutrition and lifestyle difficult.&nbsp;

Fujianvenator's lower leg bone - the tibia - was twice as long as its thigh bone - the femur. Such dimensions are unique among theropods, a group that includes all the meat-eating dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus and various others. It also had a long bony tail.

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Scientists in China have found fossils of a tiny bird-like dinosaur with a long lower leg. The "bizarre" fossil suggests that this strange pheasant-sized dinosaur inhabited southeast China about 148 to 150 million years ago.

Scientists in China have found fossils of a tiny bird-like dinosaur with a long lower leg. The "bizarre" fossil suggests that this strange pheasant-sized dinosaur inhabited southeast China about 148 to 150 million years ago. It has elongated legs and arms built much like wings. It also had a baffling anatomy, which suggests that it either was a fast runner or lived a lifestyle like a modern wading bird. The fossilised remains, which were unearthed in 2022, show it to be one of the earliest bird-like dinosaurs to date from the Jurassic period. Researchers have named it Fujianvenator prodigiosus and described their discovery in a paper published on Wednesday (September 6) in the journal Nature. Also read: Lab-grown fruit: Scientists in New Zealand find new way to tackle rising food insecurity As quoted by the journal, Mark Loewen, who is a palaeontologist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, said: "This is really a weird animal within the group of birds." Notably, Loewen was not involved in the discovery. Scientists have unearthed the fossil in Fujian Province. They believe that the creature sheds light on a critical evolutionary stage in the origin of birds. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, study leader Min Wang, a palaeontologist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the definition of Fujianvenator will be based on the classification of this mixture of skeletal features. On being asked about how Fujianvenator should be described, Wang replied, "I would say 'bizarre'. Fujianvenator is far from similar to any modern birds." "The forelimb is generally built like a bird's wing, but with three claws on the fingers, which are absent from modern birds. So you can call it wing. It cannot be determined whether it could fly or not. Based on the skeletal features, Fujianvenator probably is at least not good at flying," Wang said. "The fossil itself does not preserve feathers. However, its closest relatives and nearly all the known avialan theropods have feathers, and feathers are widely distributed among dinosaurs. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if Fujianvenator had feathers," Wang added. Also read: Scientists find mysterious never-seen-before 'spooky golden egg' at the bottom of Pacific Ocean Watch: 'Artificial embryos' created in Israel | Does this change the idea of life? × What does the history say? The study of dinosaurs tells that a significant event in their evolution came when small feathered two-legged dinosaurs from a lineage known as theropods gave rise to birds late in the Jurassic. The oldest-known bird - Archaeopteryx - dates to roughly 150 million years ago in Germany. Wang said that Fujianvenator is an avialan, which comprises all birds and their closest non-avian dinosaur cousins. Despite their humble beginnings, birds survived the asteroid catastrophe that killed their non-avian dinosaur brethren 66 million years ago. The Fujianvenator fossil, discovered last October, is quite complete but lacking the animal's skull and sections of its feet, making interpretation of its nutrition and lifestyle difficult. Fujianvenator's lower leg bone - the tibia - was twice as long as its thigh bone - the femur. Such dimensions are unique among theropods, a group that includes all the meat-eating dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus and various others. It also had a long bony tail. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fujianvenator: 'Bizarre' long-legged bird-like dinosaur discovered in China

The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating&nbsp;dicraeosaurid&nbsp;dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) managed to unearth the prehistoric findings.&nbsp;

The scientists have named the dinosaur fossil ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, referring to the Thar desert and the country of origin where the remains were found.&nbsp;

According to the study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, an international journal by publishers of Nature, scientists are of the view that the fossils belong to a new species of dinosaurs, unknown to man. The fossils were collected from the Jaisalmer region in 2018 and a group of six researchers from the two institutes,&nbsp;spent almost five years studying them.&nbsp;

“A systematic fossil exploration and excavation program initiated by GSI in 2018 in the Middle Jurassic (~ 167 Ma) rocks in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, has led to this discovery,"&nbsp;said Prof Sunil Bajpai, chair professor of vertebrate paleontology in the department of earth sciences at IIT-Roorkee.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-vectipelta-barrette-the-newest-dinosaur-species-discovered-by-scientists-605369">Also read |&nbsp;Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists</a>

"The fossils were collected by the GSI officers Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey and Triparna Ghosh under the supervision of Debasis Bhattacharya and then we studied it for around five years,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>A rare discovery&nbsp;</h2>

The discovery of the fossils, of all the places in India, suggests that the country also played a small yet unexpected part in the dinosaur evolution cycle.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why!

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Researchers said since the fossils were found in rocks dated to be around 167 million years old, it makes&nbsp;Indian sauropod not only the oldest known dicraeosaurid but also globally the oldest diplodocoid (broader group which includes dicraeosaurids and other closely related sauropods).

Previously,&nbsp;dicraeosaurid dinosaurs fossils have been discovered in North and South America, Africa and China but never in India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan.

The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) managed to unearth the prehistoric findings. The scientists have named the dinosaur fossil ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, referring to the Thar desert and the country of origin where the remains were found. According to the study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, an international journal by publishers of Nature, scientists are of the view that the fossils belong to a new species of dinosaurs, unknown to man. The fossils were collected from the Jaisalmer region in 2018 and a group of six researchers from the two institutes, spent almost five years studying them. “A systematic fossil exploration and excavation program initiated by GSI in 2018 in the Middle Jurassic (~ 167 Ma) rocks in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, has led to this discovery," said Prof Sunil Bajpai, chair professor of vertebrate paleontology in the department of earth sciences at IIT-Roorkee. Also read | Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists "The fossils were collected by the GSI officers Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey and Triparna Ghosh under the supervision of Debasis Bhattacharya and then we studied it for around five years,” he added. A rare discovery The discovery of the fossils, of all the places in India, suggests that the country also played a small yet unexpected part in the dinosaur evolution cycle. Watch: Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why! Researchers said since the fossils were found in rocks dated to be around 167 million years old, it makes Indian sauropod not only the oldest known dicraeosaurid but also globally the oldest diplodocoid (broader group which includes dicraeosaurids and other closely related sauropods). Previously, dicraeosaurid dinosaurs fossils have been discovered in North and South America, Africa and China but never in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New dinosaur species from India? 167-million-old fossils found in Jaisalmer might hold vital clues

Scientists said on July 18 that a striking fossil found in northeastern China depicts a badger-like mammal mounting its prey and biting into its victim's ribcage 125 million years ago as it engaged in combat with a plant-eating dinosaur.

Fossil found in Northeastern China shows pugnacious mammal attacking a dinosaur

A rare fossil found in China has shed light on the possibility of mammals preying on plant-eating dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era millions of years ago. The fossil discovered in northeastern China is rare because it shows two animals in an engaging state. Both animals were involved in mortal combat before suddenly being engulfed in a volcanic eruption and getting buried alive.

The four-legged mammal Repenomamus robustus - the size of a domestic cat - was found&nbsp;ferociously entangled with the beaked two-legged dinosaur Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis - as big as a medium-sized dog, Reuters explained.

<h2>Dinosaurs- Not always kings</h2>

The 125mn-year-old dramatic fossil implies that the food web during the Mesozoic era was much more complex than earlier thought. As per conventional belief, bigger dinosaurs would always prey on smaller mammals. That theory stands challenged today.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;A dinosaur that lived 125 million years ago

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"Here, we have good evidence for a smaller mammal preying on a larger dinosaur, which is not something we would have guessed without this fossil," said paleobiologist Jordan Mallon of the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.&nbsp;

"I think what's key here is that Mesozoic food webs were more complex than we had imagined," Mallon added.

<h2>‘Never seen before’</h2>

Stressing the significance of the finding, experts noted that this was for the first time that a fossil has shown a mammal preying on a dinosaur.&nbsp;

"There have been specimens of carnivorous dinosaurs preying on plant-eating dinosaurs before, but there has never been an example of a mammal preying on a dinosaur," said Canadian Museum of Nature palaeontologist and study co-author Xiao-chun Wu.

<h2>Psittacosaurus (dinosaur) vs Repenomamus (mammals)</h2>

Psittacosaurus, an early relative of the horned dinosaur lineage, lacked facial horns and a head crest. Instead, it featured a parrot-like beak, which it used for feeding on plant material.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sothebys-to-auction-dinosaur-skeletons-one-evokes-loch-ness-monster-614725">Also read:&nbsp;Sotheby`s to auction dinosaur skeletons, including one evoking Loch Ness monster</a>

Repenomamus, one of the largest mammals during the dinosaur age, boasted short and sprawling limbs, along with a long tail, sinuous body, robust skull, and shearing teeth. &nbsp;Paleontologist Mallon compared its appearance to that of a Chinese ferret-badger.

Previous evidence pointed to Repenomamus being a carnivorous predator. In one fossil discovery from the same region, the stomach contents of a Repenomamus specimen revealed the presence of baby Psittacosaurus bones, indicating its dino-eating habits.

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A rare fossil found in China has shed light on the possibility of mammals preying on plant-eating dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era millions of years ago. The fossil discovered in northeastern China is rare because it shows two animals in an engaging state.

A rare fossil found in China has shed light on the possibility of mammals preying on plant-eating dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era millions of years ago. The fossil discovered in northeastern China is rare because it shows two animals in an engaging state. Both animals were involved in mortal combat before suddenly being engulfed in a volcanic eruption and getting buried alive. The four-legged mammal Repenomamus robustus - the size of a domestic cat - was found ferociously entangled with the beaked two-legged dinosaur Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis - as big as a medium-sized dog, Reuters explained. Dinosaurs- Not always kings The 125mn-year-old dramatic fossil implies that the food web during the Mesozoic era was much more complex than earlier thought. As per conventional belief, bigger dinosaurs would always prey on smaller mammals. That theory stands challenged today. Watch: A dinosaur that lived 125 million years ago × "Here, we have good evidence for a smaller mammal preying on a larger dinosaur, which is not something we would have guessed without this fossil," said paleobiologist Jordan Mallon of the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. "I think what's key here is that Mesozoic food webs were more complex than we had imagined," Mallon added. ‘Never seen before’ Stressing the significance of the finding, experts noted that this was for the first time that a fossil has shown a mammal preying on a dinosaur. "There have been specimens of carnivorous dinosaurs preying on plant-eating dinosaurs before, but there has never been an example of a mammal preying on a dinosaur," said Canadian Museum of Nature palaeontologist and study co-author Xiao-chun Wu. Psittacosaurus (dinosaur) vs Repenomamus (mammals) Psittacosaurus, an early relative of the horned dinosaur lineage, lacked facial horns and a head crest. Instead, it featured a parrot-like beak, which it used for feeding on plant material. Also read: Sotheby`s to auction dinosaur skeletons, including one evoking Loch Ness monster Repenomamus, one of the largest mammals during the dinosaur age, boasted short and sprawling limbs, along with a long tail, sinuous body, robust skull, and shearing teeth. Paleontologist Mallon compared its appearance to that of a Chinese ferret-badger. Previous evidence pointed to Repenomamus being a carnivorous predator. In one fossil discovery from the same region, the stomach contents of a Repenomamus specimen revealed the presence of baby Psittacosaurus bones, indicating its dino-eating habits. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Invincible’ dinosaur preyed on by mammal: Rare fossil discovery stuns scientists

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