Fossils
Scientists dismiss theory that griffins were inspired by dinosaur fossils
Palaeontologists at the University of Portsmouth said the folklore ‘relies on interpretations and proposals that don’t withstand scrutiny’.
‘Parrot lizard’ dinosaur sheds light on how reptile scales became bird feathers
Scientists have discovered ‘zoned development’ in dinosaur skin, with areas of reptile-style scales and bird-like skin with feathers.
Researchers identify ichthyosaur that may be the largest known marine reptile
Experts estimate that the giant creature would have been more than 25 metres long.
One of the world’s greatest fossil finds made in Wales
Extraordinary new fossils, including many soft-bodied creatures, have been discovered near Llandrindod Wells in Powys.
Fossils reveal link between dinosaurs and beetles which fed on feathers
Researchers studied amber containing the shed skin of beetle larvae tightly surrounded by portions of downy feathers from dinosaurs.
Oldest fossils of mysterious animal group are really seaweeds, study suggests
The findings mean Bryozoans are millions of years younger than previously thought.
‘Ancient fish fossil reveals oldest example of well-preserved vertebrate brain’
The findings shed new light into the preservation of soft parts in fossils of backboned animals.
Ancient shark-like fish appeared much earlier than previously thought – study
A handful of fossil teeth from a completely new species suggests the creatures emerged some 440 million years ago.
380m-year-old ‘beautifully preserved’ fish heart is oldest ever found
The discovery could shed light on how creatures, including humans, evolved, researchers say.
Earliest known mammal identified using fossil tooth records
The animal’s fossil records date back 225 million years, predating the previously confirmed first mammal by approximately 20 million years.