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Dinosaurfossils

All articles tagged with #dinosaurfossils

science1 year ago•4 min saved

Study Reveals Rain, Not Eruption, Preserved Top Dinosaur Fossils

A new study challenges the long-held belief that volcanic eruptions preserved the world's best-preserved dinosaur fossils in China's Yixian Formation. Researchers now suggest that periodic sediment accumulation from seasonal rains and the collapse of animal burrows created oxygen-free environments conducive to fossilization. This process preserved the fossils over a short period of about 93,000 years, capturing exquisite details of the ancient ecosystem. The findings highlight the role of ordinary sedimentation processes rather than extraordinary volcanic events in fossil preservation.

via Interesting Engineering|

#dinosaurfossils #paleontology #preservation

science2 years ago•5 min saved

"Ancient African Dinosaur Fossil Discoveries Predate Paleontology"

A team of scientists has presented evidence that African people likely discovered dinosaur fossils centuries before the term 'paleontology' was coined, challenging the traditional narrative that credits early British naturalists with the first discoveries. Indigenous African knowledge of fossils, deeply rooted in folklore and the archaeological record, suggests that Africans were aware of dinosaur remains, such as those from the species Massospondylus carinatus, long before European scientists. The study highlights the need to acknowledge and integrate this indigenous knowledge into the history of paleontology and to encourage the involvement of local communities in preserving their paleontological heritage.

via The Conversation Africa|

##africa #archaeology

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Exploring Prehistoric Life: The Quest for Dinosaur Hormone Fossils"

Paleontologist Evan Saitta and his team are exploring the potential of using dinosaur hormones to determine the sex of fossils. Initial research suggests that sex hormones can survive the fossilization process, as evidenced by experiments with estradiol, a form of estrogen. The team successfully identified estrogen "fingerprints" in modern animal bones and have begun testing dinosaur fossils, with varying results. This breakthrough could significantly advance evolutionary research by providing a method to sex dinosaur fossils.

via Giant Freakin Robot|

##dinosaurfossils #evolutionarybiology