Latest news with #dinosaur
The Independent
2 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
First-of-its-kind fossil settles long-standing debate
A pterosaur fossil unearthed in China has provided the first direct evidence that some species of the dinosaur-era flying reptile ate plants. The well-preserved Sinopterus atavismus fossil, found in the Jehol Biota, contained intact gut contents, settling a long-standing debate about their diet. Researchers discovered an abundance of tiny plant cell particles, known as phytoliths, and small grinding stones, called gastroliths, within the pterosaur's stomach. The presence of phytoliths and gastroliths, previously found in other herbivorous dinosaurs, indicates the pterosaur consumed full meals consisting only of plants. This finding, published in the journal Science Bulletin, concludes a scientific debate, as previous theories on pterosaur diets were mainly based on anatomical features or partial remains.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Chinese Pterosaur fossil sparks debate on what giant flying reptiles really ate
A first-of-its-kind pterosaur fossil unearthed in China with its gut content intact has revealed what the dinosaur-era flying reptile ate, settling a long-standing debate about whether its diet was plant or meat-based. The pterosaur is considered the first vertebrate animal to achieve powered flight, but exactly what constituted the giant reptile's diet has remained elusive. Until now, most studies have theorised their diet mainly based on anatomical features revealed by fossils, such as the structure of their beak. Some prior research has found partially digested food remains in pterosaur fossils, either within the stomach or the mouth, suggesting they ate fish and insects. While a few species of the giant beast had beak shapes indicating they might have eaten plants, fruits, nuts, and seeds, direct evidence has been lacking. Now, a new study, published in the journal Science Bulletin, provides the first direct evidence that pterosaurs also ate full meals consisting of plants. The findings are based on an analysis of a well-preserved young pterosaur of the species Sinopterus atavismus, which grew up to a wingspan of two to four meters in adulthood. The remains were unearthed at the famous Jehol Biota in northeastern China, a fossil site dated to about 145 million years ago to 100.5 million years ago. Studies suggest this region was once home to several lakes and wetlands with nearby volcanoes that periodically blanketed the area in ash. Researchers, including those from Beijing's Chinese Academy of Sciences, found the pterosaur fossil with stomach remains containing an abundance of tiny plant cell particles. These particles, called phytoliths, have previously been found in the stomachs of plant-eating dinosaurs, but never in pterosaurs before. Since phytoliths were not found anywhere else in the immediate fossil site region, researchers concluded these particles originated from the pterosaur's stomach. Scientists also found small stones called gastroliths inside the stomach remains of the giant reptile, which have been found in the guts of other herbivorous dinosaurs. These tiny stones are well known to have aided plant-eating dinosaurs in digesting plant parts by grinding them in the gut. Overall, researchers uncovered 320 phytoliths from inside the pterosaur specimen. However, scientists have yet to determine the species of plants the pterosaur likely consumed. "Phytolitholith morphologies in the stomach contents, with this high diversity, are nearly impossible to attribute to one single taxon based on the recent knowledge, which suggests that Sinopterus might have consumed a diverse range of plants,' they wrote in the study. The findings conclude a long-standing debate that at least some species of pterosaurs ate full meals consisting only of plants.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Science
- CBS News
Denver Museum of Nature & Science showing off dinosaur fossil found in parking lot; oldest in city's history
One of Colorado's most astonishing and coincidental fossil discoveries was found earlier this year, right beneath the parking lot of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, museum officials announced last week. While drilling for a geothermal tap in January, museum scientists decided to take the opportunity to study what lay below the surface. To their surprise, they hit something unexpected: a dinosaur bone. Patrick O'Connor, director of Earth and space sciences at the museum, recalled the moment vividly. "He said, 'there's a fossil in the core,'" O'Connor said. "Really?" What makes the discovery so improbable is how precisely the fossil had to be struck. Crews had to drill in just the right spot, at just the right depth, and then puncture the bone with a core bit only a couple of inches wide. "In the mud was this," O'Connor said, referring to the sample. "It looks like a piece of dinosaur bone." Regardless of its appearance, researchers confirmed that it's the oldest and deepest fossil ever found in Denver. "Given the age of the rocks where this was found, it's estimated to be about 67 million years ago," O'Connor said. "There were not a number of large animals on the surface of the planet at that time other than dinosaurs." "In my 35 years at the museum, we've never had an opportunity quite like this, to study the deep geologic layers beneath our feet with such precision," said Earth Sciences Research Associate Bob Raynolds. "That this fossil turned up here, in City Park, is nothing short of magical." Although scientists don't yet know which specific species it belonged to, they've narrowed it down to a group of plant-eating dinosaurs based on the bone's structure. "The bones that make up their backbone are constructed differently," O'Connor said. "So even though we can't tell you all of the details about it just by looking at the structure of the bone, we know it pertains to one group of plant-eating dinosaurs." The fossil is now on display in the museum's "Teen Rex" exhibit. "Everyone can discover," O'Connor said. "Everyone can participate in science."
CTV News
5 days ago
- Science
- CTV News
Rare Ceratosaurus fossil sells for US$30.5 million
The fossil is the only juvenile Ceratosaurus specimen known to exist. (Matthew Sherman via CNN Newsource) A Ceratosaurus fossil that is one of only four known to exist has sold for US$30.5 million at auction. The rare dinosaur fossil is 'one of the finest and most complete examples of its kind ever found,' auction house Sotheby's said in a statement published Wednesday. The specimen, which is the only juvenile Ceratosaurus fossil of the four, sold for multiples of its $4 million-$6 million estimate at Sotheby's New York following a six-minute battle between six different bidders. Ceratosaurus nasicornis was a meat-eating predator with a nasal horn, long teeth and bony armor that ran down its back and tail. Standing six feet, three inches (1.9 metres) tall and approximately 10 feet, eight inches (3.25 metres) long, this juvenile fossil is made up of 139 bone elements, of which 57 make up 'a superb virtually complete skull,' according to Sotheby's. It was found in 1996 at Bone Cabin Quarry in Wyoming and dates from the late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. The fossil was displayed at the Museum of Ancient Life in Thanksgiving Point, Utah, from 2000 to 2024 and has not been studied or described formally in a scientific journal, Sotheby's said. Ceratosaurus fossil A close view of the head of the fossil is pictured. (Matthew Sherman via CNN Newsource) 'The buyer of the Ceratosaurus intends to loan it to an institution, as is fitting for a specimen of this rarity and importance,' the auction house said. In the same sale, a meteorite that is the largest known piece of Mars on Earth sold for $5.3 million. 'These stellar results underscore a deep and enduring fascination and respect for the natural world — from the farthest reaches of space to the ancient depths of the Earth. What draws collectors is more than just a passion for science; it's a deep-seated curiosity about the forces that have shaped our planet and beyond,' Cassandra Hatton, global head of science and natural history at Sotheby's, said in the statement. Mark Westgarth, a professor of history of the art market at the University of Leeds, England, told CNN that the sale 'is part of a recent resurgence of interest in fossils and natural history.' For example, Sotheby's also sold the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction, Apex the Stegosaur, which fetched $44.6 million in July 2024. 'At the top end of the market … seems to be about an increasing desire for 'distinction,'' said Westgarth. 'These dinosaur specimens also have a particular aesthetic — they are sculptural and awe inspiring.' For Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology and evolution at Scotland's University of Edinburgh, these kinds of price tags are shocking. 'Who has that kind of money to spend on a dinosaur? Certainly not any museums or educational institutions,' he told CNN. 'While I'm pleased that the buyer might loan the skeleton to a museum to be put on display, at this point it is just a vague suggestion. The buyer is still anonymous,' Brusatte added. 'My fear is that this skeleton will disappear into the ether, into the mansion of an oligarch or a bank vault to accumulate value as just another investment in the portfolio of a hedge fund, and not see the light of day until it's auctioned again, or maybe never at all,' he said. Ceratosaurus fossil A human is pictured standing next to the fossil. (Matthew Sherman via CNN Newsource) 'Bottom line, a world where dinosaur skeletons can fetch tens of millions of dollars within a few minutes at auctions is not a world where dinosaurs will long be accessible to educate and inspire everyone,' Brusatte added. However, Westgarth argues that there is a 'symbiotic' relationship between the market and wider research interests. He cites the example of Mary Anning, who discovered fossils on England's south coast in the early 19th century and went on to open a successful fossil shop. 'Here the market for fossils acted as a catalyst for research in public institutions in the 19th century, inculcating increasing attention and public interest and acting as a catalyst for increased research activity on dinosaur fossils,' said Westgarth, who argues that the fact that the buyer of the Ceratosaurus fossil 'has suggested that they will loan it to an institution only adds to its potential for future research activity.' By Jack Guy, CNN
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lindsay Lohan shares rare family photo from son's dinosaur-themed second birthday party
Lindsay Lohan was a proud mom as she celebrated her son Luai's second birthday on Thursday. The Freaky Friday star, 39, gave fans a glimpse at Luai's dinosaur-themed birthday bash in photos shared to her Instagram. One sweet image showed the star holding her little one while standing alongside her husband Bader Shammas, 38, with a background that read 'Luai 2Rex.' 'Happy Birthday to our sunshine, our sweetest boy, our heart, Luai!' the actress — who recently reunited with her Freaky Friday co-stars — penned in her caption. 'Watching you grow has been the greatest joy of our life. You light up every room (and keep us all on our toes), and we are so proud to be your mama and daddy.' She went on: 'You are the deepest love we have ever known, the wildest adventure, and the most beautiful purpose. You have given our lives a whole new meaning, and we are grateful every single day.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) Lindsay Lohan, 29, was a proud mom as she celebrated her son Luai's second birthday on Thursday alongside her husband Bader Shammas, 38, with a dinosaur-themed party Lindsay — who recently opened up about the rumors surrounding her youthful appearance — wrapped up her caption writing: 'Here is to another year of cuddles, giggles, and magic. Me and Daddy love you more than words can say.' The actress looked chic in a white tank top and a long floral skirt. Her long blonde tresses cascaded down her back, and she accessorized with sunglasses. Meanwhile her husband opted for an all-white look, sporting a long-sleeve shirt with a tee and linen pants. The birthday boy looked adorable in a white and green shirt and shorts paired with sneakers. The family posed in front of a large balloon arch consisting of green, cream and copper balloons. Another snap showed the little one playing with long-haired chickens. There were statues of dinosaurs placed throughout the backyard, as well as a table for arts and crafts. In another corner there was a shelf full of little plastic and stuffed dinosaurs for children to take home, with the sign, 'Adopt a dinosaur.' Lindsay also shared a photo of Luai's green cake, which featured three dinosaur toppers. Luai was also seen playing with his friends at the party. The Irish Wish actress and her husband met at a dinner with mutual friends in Dubai back in 2019 and said 'I do' two years later in 2021. The couple confirmed the arrival of their son Luai in July 2023 though did not provide an exact birth date. Lohan is no stranger to high-profile romances, going back to the early 2000s with Wilmer Valderrama, Hard Rock Cafe heir Harry Morton and Samantha Ronson. She started dating Shammas, a financier for Credit Suisse, in 2019, though their relationship was largely off-the-radar until they announced their engagement in November 2021. 'My love. My life. My family. My future,' she shared on Instagram at the time, along with snaps of the happy couple as she showed off her engagement ring. The actress' reps confirmed that the couple had been dating for three years, adding she was, 'engaged and happy.' The couple didn't publicly confirm the nuptials until July 2022, with Lohan gushing, 'I am the luckiest woman in the world. You found me and knew that I wanted to find happiness and grace, all at the same time.' She added: 'I am stunned that you are my husband. My life and my everything. every woman should feel like this everyday.' While Lohan didn't confirm a wedding date at the time, the actress took to her Instagram story on April 3, 2025, to celebrate the couple's third anniversary. She shared a snap of her husband and their son. 'Happy Anniversary to my one and only. My forever and ever. I love you,' she captioned the anniversary snap.
