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fossil

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

Brain of flying reptile’s ancestor rebuilt to find out how they took flight

Brain of flying reptile’s ancestor rebuilt to find out how they took flight

By Stephen Beech The brain of a 233-million-year-old ancestor of the first flying reptiles has been reconstructed in a bid to work out how they took flight. Scientists say Venetoraptor was around 13 inches (33 centimeters) tall and had a beak and scythe-like claws on long

Scientists find shark teeth in ancient whale skulls

Scientists find shark teeth in ancient whale skulls

By Stephen Beech Great white sharks' ancestors were attacking and eating whales in the North Sea five million years ago, reveals new research. Detailed analysis of two fossilized whale skulls dating back around five million years found fragments of sharks’ teeth lodged inside them. The discovery provides rare evidence

Adorable baby dinosaur so cute it’s named after Korean cartoon

Adorable baby dinosaur so cute it’s named after Korean cartoon

By Dean Murray A newly discovered baby dinosaur is so cute it has been named after a famous cartoon character. The species honors one of South Korea’s most beloved characters, Dooly the Little Dinosaur. Officially called Doolysaurus huhmini, it is the first new dinosaur species discovered in Korea in

Study finds crocodile-like predator preyed on man’s ancestors

Study finds crocodile-like predator preyed on man’s ancestors

By Stephen Beech A "dominant" crocodile-like predator with a big lump on its head preyed on man's ancestors three million years, ago, according to new research. Early humans - embodied by the iconic hominin Lucy - would have lived in fear of the creature which lurked in

Croc ancestor started life on 4 legs before it began walking on 2

Croc ancestor started life on 4 legs before it began walking on 2

By Stephen Beech A "peculiar” ancient relative of the crocodile started life on four legs before it began walking on two, according to new research. The poodle-sized reptile that lived over 200 million years ago was among creatures that had physical features similar to dinosaurs it lived beside,