Archaeological discoveries, paleontology findings, ancient civilizations, fossil research, and historical excavation breakthroughs.
A study published in Evolution argues that mammals outcompeted dinosaurs for small ecological niches, preventing the evolution of pocket-sized non-bird dinosaurs. Mathematical models suggest mammals' superior efficiency at small sizes filled these roles, leaving no room for tiny dinosaur species to thrive.
The Providence Journal reports on the discovery of seven fossilized great white shark teeth at Narragansett Town Beach in Rhode Island. The Atlantic Shark Institute is investigating the anomaly, seeking public assistance to determine why these ancient fossils are washing up in such high concentrations at this specific location.
More than 1,000 pre-Hispanic artifacts are being returned to Mexico from the United States. The items were originally discovered in a dumpster by Connecticut licensed archaeologist Jeremy Pilver and his high school students.
A new study in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology argues that extinct ape genera, including Gigantopithecus, should be reclassified under the genus Homo. Lead author Ian Towle cites dental similarities and complex evolutionary relationships as evidence for merging these distinct lineages.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reports on the 2021 discovery of a 12,700-year-old Columbian mammoth tusk during utility work in Corvallis. The article details the collaborative preservation efforts by city engineers and Oregon State University anthropologists, noting that additional remains may still lie beneath the street.
This commentary examines recent archaeological excavations at the Vaishya Tekri mound in Ujjain, India, which some claim may be a stupa associated with Emperor Ashoka. The piece presents scholarly perspectives, including caution from historian Himanshu Prabha Ray about overinterpreting limited evidence, and contextualizes Ujjain's historical significance as Ashoka's viceregal capital. It argues that while the site is promising, further investigation is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
ProjectXplore divers have located the remains of HMS Tiger off the Isle of Wight, concluding an 118-year search. The Royal Navy vessel sank in 1908 following a collision with HMS Berwick, resulting in significant loss of life among its crew.