Earliest Known Fossilized Forest Discovered in South West England
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the cliffs on the coast of South West England. They believe they have found the world’s earliest known fossilised forest near Minehead, Somerset. The discovery, made by researchers from Cambridge and Cardiff Universities, is said to be the oldest fossilised trees ever found in Britain and the oldest known forest on Earth. The fossilized trees, known as calamophyton, are said to resemble palm trees and are considered a ‘prototype’ of today’s trees. Some of the largest trees found were between two and four meters tall. The researchers also identified fossils of plants, debris, tree logs, and traces of roots, providing valuable insights into how early trees shaped landscapes and stabilized riverbanks and coastlines millions of years ago.
Oxford study reveals vulnerability of animal species to climate change
University of Oxford study reveals the vulnerability of certain animal species to extinction due to climate change. Species with limited thermal ranges, particularly those in polar or tropical regions, are at highest risk. Urgent need for proactive conservation efforts highlighted to safeguard vulnerable species from escalating threat of climate change.
Ancient Gars: The Ultimate ‘Living Fossils’
Discover the ancient and slow-evolving gar, a group of ray-finned fishes that may be the ultimate living fossils. With genomes changing about three times slower than other vertebrates, gars are a fascinating glimpse into the past. Learn about their unique characteristics, habitat, and the intriguing process of hybridization in this new study.
Scientists work to save ‘living fossil’ Wollemi pines from extinction
Learn about the monumental effort to save the ancient Wollemi pines from extinction, as scientists and conservationists work to reintroduce seedlings to protected areas in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Despite facing threats from pathogenic water mold and wildfires, the team has made significant progress in their conservation efforts, capturing the attention of scientists and conservationists worldwide.
Recent Discoveries Shake Up Scientific Community
Recent discovery reveals 280-million-year-old fossil thought to be one of the oldest reptiles is mostly black paint. In other news, researchers have developed a rechargeable calcium—oxygen battery and observed playful behavior in young great apes, raising questions about animal cognition and relationships.
Remarkable Fossilized Frog Unearthed in China, Shedding Light on Ancient Reproductive Behavior
A remarkable fossilized frog, Gansubatrachus qilianensis, dating back 100 million years has been unearthed in northwest China, shedding light on its reproductive behavior during the Cretaceous period. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the reproductive capabilities of ancient frogs and toads, offering a unique glimpse into their evolutionary history. Lead author Baoxia Du emphasized the significance of understanding the reproductive strategies employed by early frogs, highlighting its importance in unraveling their complete reproductive history.
Ancient Kelp Forests Thriving for Over 32 Million Years, Study Finds
Recent scientific findings suggest that kelp forests have been thriving in the oceans for over 32 million years, providing a crucial habitat for a diverse range of marine life. The study, published in PNAS, challenges previous assumptions about the age…
Newly Identified ‘Hell Chicken’ Species Suggests Dinosaurs Weren’t Sliding Toward Extinction Before Asteroid Hit
A newly identified ‘Hell chicken’ species suggests dinosaurs weren’t sliding toward extinction before the fateful asteroid hit January 24, 2024 8.01pm CET • Updated: January 25, 2024 4.45pm CET By Kyle Atkins-Weltman, Ph.D. Student in Paleoecology, Oklahoma State University and…
Groundbreaking Discovery of 1.63-Billion-Year-Old Multicellular Fossils in North China
In a recent study published in Science Advances, researchers from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made a groundbreaking discovery of 1.63-billion-year-old multicellular fossils in North China. This finding challenges previous beliefs…
Ancient Euglenid Fossils Uncovered
If you ever find yourself playing a game of twenty questions, there’s a little-known life form you can pick that is sure to leave your opponent stumped. It is neither animal, vegetable, nor mineral. It’s not even a bacterium or…