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Fossils reveal how ancient cattle roamed Earth 4 million years ago

Fossils reveal how ancient cattle roamed Earth 4 million years ago

By Stephen Beech Ancestors of today's cattle were roaming the grasslands of Europe over four million years ago, reveals new research. The buffalo-like species grew up to weigh up to half a ton, scientists say. The first large-sized bovines represent an early step toward our modern

New species of ancient Arctic mammals discovered in Alaska

New species of ancient Arctic mammals discovered in Alaska

By Stephen Beech Three newly discovered species reveal how ancient mammals survived extreme weather conditions in the Arctic millions of years ago. While the Arctic today may feel remote and desolate, scientists say that more than 70 million years ago it was a surprisingly lively place for some of Earth&

World’s oldest crocodile fossil discovered during walk on beach

World’s oldest crocodile fossil discovered during walk on beach

By Filipa Gaspar The world's oldest crocodile fossil has been found during a walk on the Jurassic Coast. Amateur fossil hunter Heather Salt initially mistook the find for a piece of wood with some nails in it. But she had discovered an exceptionally rare crocodile maxilla (upper jawbone)

‘Kraken-like’ giant octopuses ruled oceans 100 million years ago

‘Kraken-like’ giant octopuses ruled oceans 100 million years ago

By Stephen Beech Giant "kraken-like" octopuses were terrifying apex predators of the oceans 100 million years ago, according to new research. The "enormous" creatures were active carnivores who routinely crushed hard shells and bones with their powerful bites, say scientists. They also used their long,

‘Parrot-beaked’ reptile found in Brazil may have Scottish cousins

‘Parrot-beaked’ reptile found in Brazil may have Scottish cousins

By Stephen Beech A "parrot-beaked" reptile that lived alongside dinosaurs in Brazil 230 million years ago may have had relatives in Scotland, say scientists. The fossilized skull of the newly discovered species with a "parrot-like beak" was unearthed by paleontologists in southern Brazil in

Ancient ‘octopus’ fossil is actually a different species

Ancient ‘octopus’ fossil is actually a different species

By Stephen Beech A 300-million-year-old fossil hailed as the world's oldest "octopus" has turned out to be something else altogether. The artefact even featured in the Guinness Book of Records. But new research shows that it was a case of mistaken identity with

‘Treasure trove’ reveals animal diversity began earlier than thought

‘Treasure trove’ reveals animal diversity began earlier than thought

By Stephen Beech The discovery of a fossil "treasure trove" has pushed back the origins of animals at least four million years. The "exciting" find in China includes the remains of a creature that "looks like the sand worm from Dune." It has transformed