Fossils
Fossil fish rewrites otophysan evolution history
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A tiny fossil fish discovered in southwestern Alberta is the oldest North American otophysan, offering new insights into the evolution of freshwater fish species. Named Acronichthys maccognoi, the 4 cm specimen from the Late Cretaceous period suggests otophysans transitioned from marine to freshwater environments at least twice. The find, detailed in a study published on October 2 in Science, challenges previous understandings of their global spread.
Netherlands Repatriates Historic Fossils to Indonesia
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In a significant act of cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned a major collection of fossils, including the famed 'Java Man' skull, to Indonesia after decades of negotiations. The handover, facilitated by the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, marks a step towards addressing colonial-era acquisitions and fostering international scientific collaboration. Officials from both nations hailed the move as a model for repatriating artifacts taken during colonial periods.
Hippos lived in ice age Germany until 31,000 years ago
New research reveals that hippos survived in central Europe much longer than previously believed, persisting in Germany's Upper Rhine Graben until about 31,000 years ago. Ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating show these animals coexisted with mammoths during a milder phase of the last ice age. The findings challenge earlier timelines of hippo extinction in the region.
Dinosaur fossil reveals earlier evolution of sauropod long necks
A newly discovered 230-million-year-old dinosaur fossil from Argentina suggests that the evolution of long necks in sauropods began much earlier than previously thought. Named Huayracursor jaguensis, the specimen shows early signs of neck elongation in a small, bipedal dinosaur. This finding challenges the idea of a gradual transition in sauropodomorph evolution.