New triassic crocodile relative resembled ostrich dinosaur

May 29, 2026

Reported by AI

Scientists have identified a new species of ancient crocodile relative that walked upright on two legs with a toothless beak. The creature, named Labrujasuchus expectatus, lived during the Late Triassic in what is now New Mexico.

The discovery was described in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Researchers recovered the fossils from the Hayden Quarry at Ghost Ranch. Labrujasuchus expectatus belonged to the shuvosaurid group within the archosaur lineage that led to modern crocodiles yet evolved a body plan similar to bipedal theropod dinosaurs.

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.

Virginia Tech student reconstructs rare dinosaur skull revealing new species

April 15, 2026 Reported by AI

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.

Science

Tiny fossils identified as baby ankylosaurs after 20 years

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150-million-year-old stegosaur skull unearthed in Spain

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

Fossil confirms mammal ancestors laid eggs after mass extinction

A 250-million-year-old fossil egg containing a Lystrosaurus embryo has provided the first direct evidence that mammal ancestors laid eggs. Discovered in South Africa, the find resolves a decades-old question about early mammalian reproduction following the End-Permian extinction. Researchers used advanced imaging to reveal the embryo's pre-hatching stage inside a soft-shelled egg.

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.

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