geological history of earth
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Ancient Penis Worms Commandeered Shells for Self-Defence, Fossils Show
Hermit crabs move into other animals’ discarded shells as shelter, because the ocean is a treacherous place, full of hungry predators. Half a billion years ago, another creature evolved the same defensive strategy, suggests new fossil evidence.
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Like Neanderthals, Early Humans Endured a Frigid Europe
Europe was considerably colder 44,000 years ago than previously thought, according to new research. The finding is forcing a rethink about early human migration patterns and where our ancestors preferred to settle.
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Intriguing Fossil Reptile Offers Clues to the Origin of Snakes and Lizards
Twenty years since it was found in Argentina, a fossil of a 231.4-million-year-old lepidosaur has been described in detail by palaeontologists. This animal has features place it before the split between lizards, snakes, and sphenodonts (a branch of reptiles that today only includes the strange tuatara). The fossilised skull recently underwent CT scanning, and an…
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Animals Emerged 350 Million Years Earlier Than Previously Thought, Fossil Discovery Suggests
Ancient rocks from northwestern Canada have been found to contain structures consistent with sea sponges. At 890 million years old, they could be the oldest known animal fossils on Earth.