New giant dinosaur species unearthed in Patagonia

May 12, 2026

Reported by AI

Researchers have described a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur from fossils found in Argentina's Chubut province. The creature, called Bicharracosaurus dionidei, reached about 20 meters in length and lived around 155 million years ago.

Scientists recovered more than 30 vertebrae, several ribs and part of the pelvis from the Cañadón Calcáreo rock formation. The bones belonged to an adult animal and display a mix of traits seen in both brachiosaurids and diplodocids. Alexandra Reutter, the study's first author and a doctoral student at LMU, led the analysis of the remains now housed at the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio in Trelew.

Virginia Tech student reconstructs rare dinosaur skull revealing new species

A crushed dinosaur fossil, long forgotten in a drawer, has been reconstructed by a Virginia Tech undergraduate, unveiling a new species of early carnivorous dinosaur. The specimen, named Ptychotherates bucculentus, belonged to the Herrerasauria group and lived near the end of the Triassic period. Its discovery suggests this ancient dinosaur lineage persisted until the end-Triassic extinction.

Tiny dinosaur fossil weighs less than a chicken

February 25, 2026 Reported by AI

A nearly complete skeleton of a small predatory dinosaur discovered in Argentina has revealed new details about the evolution of alvarezsaurs. The 95-million-year-old Alnashetri cerropoliciensis weighed just 700 grams and challenges previous ideas about their anatomy and diet. Researchers suggest it had a broader range of prey than previously thought.

Science

Dinosaur tracks from 132 million years ago discovered near Knysna

Science

Paleontologists discover 275-million-year-old twisted-jaw species

Environment

Lost fossils reveal diverse marine predators after Permian extinction

Ancient reptile shifted from four legs to two as it matured

A newly described crocodile relative from the Late Triassic period began life walking on four legs before adopting a bipedal stance in adulthood, scientists say. The poodle-sized Sonselasuchus cedrus, unearthed in Arizona, reveals unusual growth patterns in ancient reptiles. Researchers detailed the findings in a study published this year.

Nanotyrannus confirmed as distinct species from T. rex

April 16, 2026 Reported by AI

Scientists have determined that Nanotyrannus was a mature, separate species rather than a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. A new study analyzed a tiny throat bone from the original fossil, revealing growth patterns indicating adulthood. The findings, published in Science, challenge decades of debate over the dinosaur's identity.

Science