Latest news with #Triceratops
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Scientists unearth a 76-million-year-old mystery in Canada
Deep in the rugged badlands of Alberta, scientists have uncovered a prehistoric drama frozen in time, footprints showing dinosaurs walking together, and two tyrannosaurs possibly stalking them. The discovery was made at Dinosaur Provincial Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its fossil-rich terrain but rarely for footprints. The newly documented site, named the Skyline Tracksite, dates back about 76 million years and was described in a study published in PLOS One. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others PGDM Management MBA Artificial Intelligence CXO Others Data Analytics Data Science Technology healthcare MCA Data Science Healthcare Finance Product Management Operations Management Degree Digital Marketing Leadership Public Policy Cybersecurity Design Thinking Project Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details Researchers say the trackway includes 13 ceratopsian footprints , horned dinosaurs related to Triceratops, likely left by at least five animals moving in a group. Among them is a single track from an ankylosaurid, an armored plant-eater, suggesting the two species may have traveled together. Nearby, a small carnivore left its own mark. But what truly caught scientists' attention were two enormous tyrannosaurid footprints crossing the herd's path. 'The tyrannosaur tracks give the sense that they were really eyeing up the herd, which is a pretty chilling thought,' said Dr. Phil Bell of the University of New England, who co-authored the study. Bell remembers the moment of discovery vividly: 'This rim of rock had the look of mud that had been squelched out between your toes, and I was immediately intrigued.' Live Events The team painstakingly uncovered about 29 square meters of rock using picks, trowels, and even corn brooms. What they found offers rare evidence of mixed-species herding and a possible predator-prey interaction. 'It was incredibly exciting to be walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs 76 million years after they laid them down,' said Dr. Brian Pickles, a University of Reading paleontologist who helped lead the project. Experts believe the herd may have banded together as a defense strategy, similar to how modern animals like zebras and wildebeests move in groups to deter predators. Still, researchers can't say for sure if the tyrannosaurs and the herd crossed paths at the same moment, only that their tracks ended up preserved in the same ancient mudflat. Dinosaur Provincial Park has yielded fossils from more than 50 species, but trackways like this remain rare because of the park's eroding cliffs. Scientists now hope the Skyline Tracksite will help unlock new clues about how dinosaurs behaved in the wild.
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Dinosaur fossil unearthed beneath Colorado museum's parking lot
In a surprising event, scientists at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, in Colorado, US, have unearthed a rare dinosaur fossil. And not from a faraway dig site, but from right beneath the museum's own parking lot! The discovery, revealed by the museum on July 9, came during a routine drilling operation in January aimed at evaluating the feasibility of switching to geothermal energy. As the team extracted a cylindrical rock core from 760 feet below the surface, they encountered a fossilised vertebra measuring about 2.5 inches in diameter. It turned out to be the oldest and deepest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver's city limits, according to the museum's release, cited by CNN. The partial vertebra is believed to belong to an herbivorous, bipedal dinosaur from the ornithopod group, a category of plant-eating dinosaurs that includes duck-billed hadrosaurs. Though scientists were unable to identify the exact species, the fossil dates back more than 67 million years, placing it in the Late Cretaceous period. 'We knew those dinosaurs were nearby in other parts of Colorado or Wyoming, but we didn't know that they were in Denver, too,' said Dr James Hagadorn, the museum's curator of geology, as per CNN reports. 'Now, we have another plant eater that's been cruising around Denver munching on, who knows, gingers and palm leaves and other ferns and plants 67 million years ago.' The museum, which houses about 115,000 fossils in its collection, has now placed the ornithopod vertebra on public display. Hagadorn noted that there are only two other known instances worldwide of a dinosaur bone being found through a core sampling project, making this fossil likely the first of its kind ever showcased in a museum. Despite the fossil's importance, the rest of the dinosaur's remains will remain underground. 'Unfortunately, we can't excavate our entire parking lot. Parking is really important at the museum and in all cultural centres,' Hagadorn joked according to CNN. 'But the bonus here is that people can now park right on top of a dinosaur.' The drilling project initially aimed to explore alternative energy sources, not fossils. 'It's like the lucky strike,' Hagadorn told CNN. The museum team has since used satellite and elevation data to date the new fossil and others in the Denver region more precisely. Their findings, published in Rocky Mountain Geology in June, offer a clearer picture of Denver's ancient inhabitants, which include not just ornithopods but also Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Torosaurus. 'No one ever dated these things before,' said Hagadorn. 'Today, we were able to use some specialised maps, geologic maps, GIS and really precise elevations that you can now get from satellites to place all these things in space and then in time.' (With inputs from CNN)
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Jurassic Lanark: Adventure and thrills millions of years in the making
The centrepiece, the Monster Trail, winds through the town centre and Castlebank Park, where explorers come face-to-face with ferocious carnivores such as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus and Velociraptor, as well as the gentle giants Triceratops and Brachiosaurus. Younger adventurers can also tackle the Mini Trail, a bite-sized route past town shop windows hiding dinosaur clues. Participants completing the trails earn the coveted Jurassic Lanark Badge, marking them a certified dinosaur hunter. They can also enter a Prize Draw to win a Bumper Dino Bundle packed with goodies by returning their completed map when collecting their badges at the town's Tolbooth. 'This is the fifth Jurassic Lanark event and each has been timed perfectly for the school summer holidays,' says Discover Lanark Manager Antonia Pompa. 'We wanted to offer a fun trail where we can create scenes in some of the smaller spaces around our local streets. There is something quite magical about seeing dinosaurs so out of context – you certainly don't expect to see them in the town centre. 'The second part of our Monster Trail is in Castlebank Park where you might expect to find activities such as this. It's a lovely park with a picnic area, Fairy Dell and play area, and certainly adds a lot to the event.' Participants can pick up their free trail map at the Tolbooth Lanark (ML11 7EX), open daily from 10am to 5pm. Volunteers are on hand to offer helpful tips and route advice. Digital trail maps are also available for download, allowing adventurers to plan their expedition in advance. Each Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, Castlebank Park is the place for youngsters to meet baby dinos Trixie and Tom and have their photo taken with Roary the mascot. Storytelling and games are all part of the free activity programme. 'There is something about dinosaurs that fascinates children,' says Antonia. 'They are so knowledgeable about them at a young age and I'm astounded by youngsters who can name all the dinosaurs. Let's be honest: they're not names that trip off the tongue. 'Children really get something out of finding out more. The timing of the Jurassic World Rebirth movie is just good luck but it's nice to have it out there. There are also the BBC programmes so people are really interested in dinosaurs and learning more about them.' Antonia notes the physical reality of Lanark's dinosaurs takes them beyond the screen for youngsters. 'Children are really excited by them. Sometimes they're really surprised by the animatronic ones – they don't expect to be growled at but it's also the sheer size of the models that bring them to life.' Last year no fewer than 6,500 trail maps were handed out and this year the event looks to be just as popular. 'It's a slightly weather dependent event because the majority of it is outdoors and it's more enjoyable to stop and look at things and read the information on the signs when the weather is good,' says Antonia. 'But there are plenty of dinosaur hunters who have arrived with their wet weather gear. There are often dinosaurs on the children's clothes and that's just brilliant to see. They really do enter into the spirit of it.' As Lanark is a Business Improvement District, it's hoped the event will also encourage visitors to discover more of what the town has to offer. 'This is a free event but we hope people will pop into our cafés and shops and make some purchases,' says Antonia. 'Some of the businesses, particularly the charity shops, save up all their dinosaur goodies and pop them out on display – it's really nice to see people going in and coming out with little mementos of their day.' So, whether you're a budding palaeontologist or just up for summer fun with a big difference, pack your explorer hat and grab a trail map before Lanark's dinosaurs find you first! Click here for more details
Daily Express
14-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Express
Malaysian dinosaur fossils: Rare but real
Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 Text Size: An AI-generated image of a Spinosaurus, with the fossilised tooth (inset) discovered in Pahang. AS Jurassic World: Rebirth draws crowds to cinemas, some Malaysians may be wondering if their own country once hosted real dinosaurs. While iconic names like Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops are mostly associated with North America, dinosaurs lived across the globe – including what is now Malaysia. In fact, the first confirmed dinosaur fossil in Malaysia was unearthed in Bera, Pahang, back in 2014. A Malaysian-Japanese research team discovered a 23mm tooth fragment believed to belong to a spinosaurid, a fish-eating dinosaur related to the famed Spinosaurus. The fossil, estimated to be 75 million years old, dates to the Late Cretaceous period and marks a key scientific milestone for the country. Subsequent digs in the same region led to the discovery of more fossils believed to belong to ornithischian dinosaurs – a large group of mostly herbivorous species. Familiar names like Stegosaurus and Triceratops fall within this category, characterised by bird-like hip structures. Elsewhere in Malaysia, more finds have surfaced, including a 2014 expedition in Hulu Terengganu that uncovered fossilised teeth and dinosaur footprints. Among them were impressions believed to belong to an Iguanodon and two other types: a long-necked sauropod and a meat-eating theropod. Although Iguanodon is now considered a 'wastebasket' taxon due to past misclassifications, the find still fuels excitement and scientific interest. Palaeontologists caution that the exact locations of these discoveries are often kept confidential to prevent fossil theft and preserve their scientific value. Despite the challenges posed by Malaysia's tropical climate, dense rainforests, and limited local expertise, there is growing support to uncover more of the country's prehistoric past. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
11-07-2025
- Science
Jurassic Park-ing lot: Dino fossil turns Denver museum into dig site
Like finding mountains of gold bars below a bank or happening upon a rare piece of art hidden beneath a gallery, a Denver museum that's full of fossils serendipitously discovered -- wait for it -- a dinosaur bone, right under its parking lot. "Wow, what are the chances?" James Hagadorn, a geology curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, told ABC News. Back in January, the museum found a fossil of a plant-eating dinosaur, believed to be nearly 68 million years old, lying about 800 feet below the parking lot, the museum announced this week. At the time of the discovery, scientists were conducting a "geothermal test drilling project" to determine whether the museum could use the heat of the Earth underneath the parking lot in City Park, Colorado, the museum said in a press release. This dino-mite find, which Hagadorn described as "quite the cherry" on top of the project's intended mission, was discovered 763 feet below the surface and was identified as the "deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within the city's limits," the museum said in a press release. Museum scientists believe the fossil the vertebra of an herbivorous dinosaur -- possibly a Thescelosaurus or Edmontosaurus -- that roamed the region 67.5 million years ago, which is "just days before the mass extinction that wiped our the dinosaurs," the museum noted. Hagadorn said his "head just exploded" when he heard the news of the discovery, which has been on display among the museum's collection of more than 300,000 fossils since Wednesday. "It was absolutely incredible. The first thing you say is, 'Are you sure? Is this real? Are you playing a joke on me?'" he said. "That's like finding a diamond deposit under the world's largest gem store or an archeological site buried underneath the parking lot of an archeological museum." Hagadorn noted that this isn't the first time Colorado has seen a discovery like this. Previously, a horn of a Triceratops was found underneath Coors Field's home plate and "tons of cool fossils" have been located underneath Denver International Airport, he said. "The exciting thing to me is that there's the potential to find more, and that's both thrilling in the sense of discovery, but it's also interesting because these things are good for science, they tell us about our place, they tell us about our ecosystems [and] they tell us how the plane has changed. So it's a win, win, win," Hagadorn told ABC News. Even though Hagadorn said he would "love to go 750 feet down" again and see if there are more potential fossils underneath the museum's parking lot, he said that would be unlikely due to the scope of such a project. "In order to go that deep, you've got to dig a very big hole and then hold that hole open either by lining it or making it tapered. If we think about a tapered hole that goes down that deep, that would probably consume all our parking lot and maybe part of the museum too. So boy, it's fun to think about, but I think it's unlikely," he said. Hagadorn expressed his hope that the fossil -- which is within the museum's "Discovering Teen Rex" exhibition -- reminds people that "there's lots of geology underfoot." "The layers of Earth underneath us tell us stuff that's useful, whether that information is from a fossil or a mineral or some water that's flowing underfoot," he said. "Imagine what's underneath your house or mine. Who knows?" Hagadorn said the museum will have "tons" of free admission days for "everyone to access" the fossil and anything else within the facility.
