Articles for author: Tara Panton, BSc (Honors) Marine Biology

Predecessor to the giant panda.

11 Million Year Old Giant Panda Ancestor Discovered In Germany

Paleontologists recently discovered an omnivorous ancestor of the giant panda, Kretzoiarctos beatrix, at a fossil site in southern Germany. Importantly, this groundbreaking find challenges the long-held belief that pandas have always been bamboo eaters. So, let’s discover how this provides new insights into the evolution of the giant panda and its early dietary habits. The ...

Amber can look like a polished rock.

Plant Preserved In Amber Turns Out To Be A 99 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Tail

Scientists recently made a fascinating discovery involving amber, a substance known for preserving ancient organisms. Initially, what seemed to be a beautifully preserved plant trapped in amber turned out to be something much more significant. It was, in fact, the tail of a dinosaur. Let’s dive in! What is Amber? Amber is fossilized tree resin ...

Cockfighting Ban In Costa Rica Has Serious Implications

In a landmark decision, Costa Rica’s Human Rights Commission has upheld the nation’s ban on cockfighting. Imagine a world where roosters are pitted against each other in bloody battles for human entertainment—this is the grim reality of cockfighting. Despite widespread bans, underground rings continue to operate, subjecting birds to cruel training and violent fights. The ...

Could Horses Be More Intelligent Than We Ever Thought? - Recent Study Says Perhaps

Could Horses Be More Intelligent Than We Ever Thought? – Recent Study Says Perhaps

Horses have long been seen as creatures of instinct, reacting to their surroundings without much thought. But groundbreaking research has uncovered a hidden depth to their intelligence, revealing abilities that defy our understanding. What if these majestic animals have been planning and strategizing all along, just waiting for us to discover the truth? Horses Are ...

Titanosaurs walking through prehistoric forests.

126 Million-Year-Old Largest Dinosaur to Ever Walk the Earth

Titanosaurs were among the largest land animals to ever exist. Now, paleontologists attribute their success to unique adaptations that combined traits of both reptiles and mammals. Let’s discover how these adaptations allowed them to thrive for millions of years across various continents! Origin and Spread of Titanosaurs Titanosaurs first appeared about 126 million years ago ...

Face of an alligator gar.

The Alligator Gar That Swam With Dinosaurs 100 Million Years Ago

The alligator gar is a unique and ancient species of fish that has captured the attention of scientists and anglers alike. Known for its prehistoric origins and fearsome appearance, this freshwater predator plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems. In this article, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and habits of the alligator gar! A Prehistoric ...