New Duck-Billed Dinosaur Species Discovered in Mexico
A newly identified species of duck-billed dinosaur, Coahuilasaurus Lipani, has been discovered in Mexico. The newly-discovered species boast a particularly large snout. This exciting discovery not only sheds light on the unique traits of the species but also offers insights into how dinosaurs lived in specific regions during the late Cretaceous period.
Unearthing the Fossil of Coahuilasaurus Lipani
The fossil was originally excavated in the 1980s in the Parras Basin region. Initially, palaeontologists believed it belonged to another genus. However, a recent study using advanced techniques reclassified the fossil as a new species—Coahuilasaurus lipani. Named after the Coahuila region and the Lipani Apache tribe, this dinosaur was equipped with a distinctive snout, significantly larger than its relatives.
Adapted for Tough Plants
What sets C. Lipani apart from other duck-billed dinosaurs is the presence of tooth-like projections on the roof of its mouth. These structures suggest the dinosaur was adapted to consuming rough and fibrous plants such as palm trees. Its specialised diet likely helped it thrive in the tropical conditions of late Cretaceous Mexico, where it lived approximately 73 million years ago.
How the Discovery Changes Scientific Understanding
One of the most significant aspects of this discovery is what it reveals about dinosaur distribution. Traditionally, palaeontologists believed that large dinosaurs, like many other large animals, had extensive geographic ranges. Palaeontologists now believe that some species may have lived in much smaller, specific areas, possibly due to environmental factors or reproductive habits. This finding is reshaping scientists’ understanding of how dinosaurs adapted to their surroundings.
Geographic Significance of Coahuilasaurus Lipani
While dinosaurs like C. lipani roamed the forests of what is now Mexico, the region’s landscape was vastly different. Sea levels were higher, and the climate was warmer, providing an ideal environment for a variety of dinosaur species. With a length of around 26 feet (8 metres), this species likely roamed in herds, feeding on abundant vegetation, and contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region during the Cretaceous period.
In summary, the discovery of Coahuilasaurus Lipani adds to the growing list of dinosaur species unique to Mexico. The fossil not only highlights the rich paleontological history of the region but also contributes to the broader understanding of dinosaur evolution and adaptation across the Americas.
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Three live dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA. The extinct species had last roamed North America around 12,500 years ago. The milestone was reached by a Dallas-based biotech firm that focuses on genetic conservation. Ancient DNA samples from fossilised remains were analysed. Modern gene-editing tools were used to mimic key characteristics of the extinct predator. These pups were brought to life by implanting modified embryos into domestic dog surrogates. The young wolves have been named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.
Ancient DNA edited in lab to recreate species
According to a study shared by Colossal Biosciences, DNA samples had been collected from two ancient dire wolf fossils. One was a 13,000-year-old tooth, while the other was a 72,000-year-old skull fragment. These fragments were compared to modern wolf relatives and grey wolves were chosen for DNA alteration because of their evolutionary proximity. Gene sequences that were found only in dire wolves were isolated. These were introduced into the DNA of grey wolves through targeted editing.
Cloning technique used to implant embryos
The altered genetic material was inserted into grey wolf egg cells after removing their original nuclei. These prepared cells were placed inside domestic dogs. Each surrogate received multiple embryos. Interestingly, only one embryo survived in each of the first two dogs. Both gave birth by caesarean section, while the third pup was born in a second round of implantation.
Physical traits match fossil record
The new pups have been observed to develop features consistent with known dire wolf fossils. Thick white coats, larger teeth and body structure have been reported. These results came from identifying changes in 14 genes. The gene edits were introduced using CRISPR technology.
The same company had previously cloned red wolves. The team had also created “woolly mice” as part of a mammoth revival effort. The successful dire wolf birth marks a new phase in gene-driven species restoration.
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Lightning is commonly considered a sign of disaster in the forest, as lightning kills or damages trees. On the lowlands of Panama, the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera) might have evolved to capitalize on this natural occurrence. New research suggests that lightning strikes could help the tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera). According to Live Science research, these trees not only survive these electrical interactions unharmed, but the lightning also harms their competitors and the parasitic vines that cling to the tonka bean plants.
The researchers published their findings on March 26 in the journal New Phytologist. Lightning is a major cause of tree mortality in tropical forests, particularly among the largest and oldest trees, which play important roles in carbon storage and biodiversity.
Lightning as a Canopy Weapon
On average, each lightning hit destroyed over 2.4 tons (2 metric tons) of adjacent tree biomass and approximately 80 percent of the lianas (parasitic vines) that plagued the tonka bean canopy. As per Gora’s assumption, the key to these trees’ lightning resistance comes from their physical structure.
A few studies describe the tree as having strong internal conductivity, letting lightning current flow through without building up damaging heat like a well-insulated wire. Because they tend to grow large — up to 130 feet (40 meters)—and live for centuries, a single tonka bean tree is estimated to be struck at least five times after reaching maturity. Each strike helps to clear out vines and competitors, opening up the canopy to help it thrive.
Ecological Impact and Evolutionary Marvel
Gregory Moore, a horticulturalist from the University of Melbourne who was not involved in the study, thinks the results will apply to other species. “The sort of work could also apply to other tree-dominated plant communities, such as woodlands or low woodlands where trees are widely separated, so it’s nothing like a tropical forest,” he said, adding that other tall trees are also possible targets of lightning strikes.
More Than Just a Tree
“We have long known that some trees can withstand multiple lightning strikes,” Moore said, noting that some tall trees survive Australian bushfires and grow up towering over their neighbors, making them prime targets for lightning strikes. “They are often referred to as stags because the top of the crown has been blown out, but they can survive for centuries after being hit by lightning,” he added.
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