Latest news with #Triassic
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
This 250-million year old pig-like creature was hibernating long before the dinosaurs
Hibernation is a survival trick used by animals like bears, bats, and squirrels to cope with harsh winters, and surprisingly, this biological response has been around for far longer than we could think! Hibernation is a quality that can be found stretching back hundreds to millions of years. An interesting new study reveals that hibernation might not be a recent adaptation at all, but a deeply ancient one that dates back to a time before dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Researchers studying fossils from a pig-sized creature have found unbelievable signs that this animal may have hibernated much like warm-blooded animals do today. Shockingly, this creature lived around 250 million years ago. This discovery opens up a completely new window into how early animals may have survived extreme environments, especially near the poles. A recent study has found fossils dating back 250 million years. This pig-like creature is known as Lystrosaurus, a four-legged animal that lived during the Triassic period and is considered an early relative of mammals. What makes this discovery remarkable is that researchers have found signs suggesting that Lystrosaurus may have entered a hibernation-like state, much like some animals do today to cope with extreme seasonal changes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo According to vertebrate paleontologist Megan Whitney from Harvard University, 'These preliminary findings indicate that entering into a hibernation-like state is not a relatively new type of adaptation. It is an ancient one.', he said in a study named Evidence of torpor in the tusks of Lystrosaurus from the Early Triassic of Antarctica The secret to finding this information came from the animal's continuously growing tusks, which resemble the behaviour of tree rings, leaving behind a physical record of growth. By slicing and examining tusks from six Lystrosaurus fossils found in Antarctica and comparing them with four others from South Africa, scientists spotted a clear pattern. The Antarctic tusks showed repeated signs of slowed growth and stress, which could be signals similar to those found in modern animals that hibernate. 'To see the specific signs of stress and strain brought on by hibernation, you need to look at something that can fossilise and was growing continuously during the animal's life,' said Christian Sidor, a biologist at the University of Washington, in a press statement to the University of Washington news. 'Many animals don't have that, but luckily Lystrosaurus did.' This behavior is known as torpor, allowing animals to slow their metabolism and conserve energy during harsh conditions. While Antarctica was warmer during the Triassic period, it still had long stretches of darkness in winter, making hibernation a useful survival strategy. The fossil evidence doesn't definitively prove that Lystrosaurus hibernated, but it is currently the oldest hint of hibernation-like behavior we have. According to the study, the stress patterns in the Antarctic tusks are similar to 'small metabolic reactivation events during a period of stress,' said Whitney. 'What we observed in the Antarctic Lystrosaurus tusks fits a pattern… most similar to what we see in warm-blooded hibernators today. ' They suggest that having a flexible physiology that is capable of adjusting to changing seasons or environmental stress might have helped species like Lystrosaurus survive extreme events like mass have continued to explore the ancient roots of hibernation, in this discovery that might even help in research into applying these principles to human medicine, in areas like trauma recovery and space travel.
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Charming' UK seaside town ignored by posh resort just six miles away
This charming UK seaside town, with a population of just 7,000, is a true melting pot of lush countryside, rugged mountains, and turquoise waters - but most tourists don't even know it exists One of the UK's most beautiful seaside towns remains a true 'hidden gem' - despite being a stone's throw away from two popular resorts. Tucked away on Devon's stunning Jurassic coastline and surrounded by rolling countryside lies the quaint town of Budleigh Salterton. Enveloped in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this overlooked resort is perfect for those who are after a weekend of peace and quiet. With two miles of picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters that have become a hotspot for kayaking and paddle-boarding, and a distinct lack of crowds - this charming resort needs to be on your bucket list. Described as 'wonderfully unspoilt' and the UK's 'best kept secret' by travellers, you'd think Budleigh Salterton would have become riddled with UK holidaymakers by now. But, in a statement sent to the Mirror, Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, warned that people often 'miss out' on a visit to Budleigh Salterton due to it being sandwiched in between Sidmouth and Exmouth - both of which draw in 'big crowds' of tourists. "Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore," she added. "The town is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching. There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology." Located just over 200 miles from London, driving to Budleigh Salterton takes around four hours in the car. Alternatively, Brits living in the Big Smoke can get the train over to Exmouth, and then take a 21-minute bus from the Savoy Cinema stop over to the seaside town. This route, which usually includes a change at Exeter St David's, takes two hours and 44 minutes. If you're flexible with dates, single adult fares can be bought for £50 - or even cheaper if you have a rail card. There is a range of accommodation types in Budleigh Salterton depending on your budget. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, July 11-13) at Heathgate will only set you back £220. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with a Garden View. However, for those looking for something a little more extra - check out Mackerel Cottage. This spacious holiday home, which has its own kitchen and three bedrooms, costs a whopping £2,172 on the exact same nights. But if you're splitting the cost with a large group, the price doesn't seem so bad. *Prices based on Trainline and listings at the time of writing.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Britain's biggest dinosaur event to roar into Lanarkshire park to start summer holiday season
Cunigar Loop will play host to a prehistoric playground, featuring more than 50 animatronic beasts from the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods. Lanarkshire woodland will become a Jurassic Park, as dinosaurs roam free once more for The Lost Kingdom tour. This unmissable family experience is the biggest Jurassic event to hit Britain and will make its Scots debut, touring Rutherglen's Cunigar Loop from June 28 to July 13. The woodland park will play host to a prehistoric playground, featuring more than 50 animatronic beasts from the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods. These include a fearsome 18m tall T-Rex that roars and lashes its tail while hunting for prey; an Iguanodon's furious battle against a Deinonychus; Pterosaurs that screech as they soar through the trees; a 15m tall Brachiosaurus guarding her eggs; and a 16m long Diplodocus, who cries out to passers-by. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today Mini-palaeontologists can also enjoy a dinosaur ride, a fossil pit to dig for giant bones, endless photo opportunities with the giant beasts, as well as an entertainment marquee, brimming with Jurassic VR experience pods, face painting and dino balloons. There will also be an education marquee to test knowledge on some of the less familiar beasts they'll encounter on the adventure, from the Protoceratops, Plesiosaurus, Tsintaosaurus, Yunnanosaurus, and Lufengosaurus to the gentle but giant Sauropoda. All of the blinking, breathing and roaring creatures have information panels, to make them both educational and entertaining. For those who want to relax after braving the perilous quest through grasslands and woodlands, a refreshment area will offer street food, including churros, burgers, hotdogs, drinks, crepes, waffles and noodles. The tour begins at Cuningar Loop woodland park before heading to London, Southampton and Greater Manchester. Adult £14.50 (online) £16 (on the door); Child £12.50 (online) £14 (on the door);Concession £12.50 (online) £14 (on the door);Group Ticket £11.50 pp (online) £13 (on the door); Family Ticket £50 (online) £56 (on the door). *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. Article continues below
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
236-million-year-old Triassic fossil reveals earliest known butterfly, moth scales
Paleontologists associated with different institutions in Argentina, along with a scientist from the U.K., have identified specks of scales from lepidopterans—a family of winged insects including several species of butterflies and moths—in samples of dung recovered from an excavation site at Talampaya National Park, located in the Argentina's western La Rioja Province. Digging at the national park began in 2011, revealing that the area had once served as a communal latrine used by many animals, including large plant-eaters, who returned regularly to urinate and defecate. Researchers collected dung samples from the Talampaya site and sent them to different institutions for analysis. One of these samples ended up at the Regional Center for Scientific Research and Technology Transfer of La Rioja, where the team behind this new study made the discovery. Researchers examined the sample using multiple methods and determined it to be around 236 million years old—dating to the middle of the Triassic period and just 16 million years after the end-Permian extinction, which wiped out roughly 90% of Earth's animal species. Among the contents, paleontologists found tiny scales, each about 200 microns long, which they identified as belonging to a lepidopteran. Previous research has estimated that Lepidoptera first evolved around 241 million years ago. However, until now, the oldest known physical evidence of their existence dated back only to about 201 million years ago. This left a significant 40 million-year gap between their predicted origin and the earliest fossil record, making it difficult for scientists to confirm when these insects first appeared and how they fit into early ecosystems. However, the new discovery by the team in Argentina helps fill in a key gap in the evolutionary record of Lepidoptera. It also led to the identification of what may be a previously unknown species, which the researchers have named Ampatiri eloisae. The researchers noted that, based on the age of the fossil, the newly identified species likely belonged to a subgroup called Glossata—meaning it would have had a proboscis similar to the long, tube-like mouthparts used by modern moths and butterflies to feed on liquids like nectar. During the Triassic period, forests were made up only of conifers and cycads, as flowering plants had not yet evolved. These nonflowering plants produced sugary droplets to aid pollination—small treats that would have provided an ideal food source for early insects with proboscises. It is estimated that the proboscis first appeared between 260 and 244 million years ago, soon after the mass extinction event. This suggests that the distinctive feeding structure of butterflies likely developed not from feeding on flowers, but for accessing these ancient nectar-like secretions. This key adaptation probably enabled early butterflies and moths to thrive by feeding on sugary pollination drops, ultimately setting the foundation for their future interaction with flowering plants, which wouldn't evolve until nearly 100 million years later. The study of the discovery has been published in the Journal of South American Earth Sciences
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Zion museum's new temporary exhibit delves into research on end-Triassic extinction
SPRINGDALE, Utah () — A new, temporary exhibit featuring research on the Triassic and Jurassic periods is available at the Zion Human History Museum. It features research on geoscience and extinction, as well as a model phytosaur skull. The new exhibit will bring guests through the late Triassic period, the end-Triassic Extinction, and the beginnings of the Jurassic period, between 227 to 180 million years ago. This is the culmination of a seven-year research project involving scientists from all over. Dr. Celina Suarez, a geoscience professor at the University of Arkansas, led the team. The rocks at Zion National Park were key to this research, as they were used to study and understand the climate change that led to the end-Triassic Extinction. Two Utah campgrounds included in list of 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now: Hipcamp According to a press release from Zion National Park, Dr. Suarez and her team identified 'a spike in CO2 levels in the park's Moenave Formation.' Using this information, the scientists were able to pinpoint a rapid increase in volcanic eruptions that led to the supercontinent Pangea splitting. 'We've got to look at the geologic past and all these past events to understand where we're going in the future,' Dr. Suarez is quoted in a press release. 'If we can just get one or two people that come and visit Zion to understand that … I've done my job.' Alongside that discovery, which is mirrored in sites all around the world, Dr. Suarez and the team of scientists found that the CO2 spike would also cause wildfires and 'intense weather patterns' that led to the End Triassic Extinction, which wiped out 'approximately 80 percent of all marine and terrestrial species on Earth,' according to the release. 10 hikes with stunning wildflowers across Utah The new exhibit at the Zion History Museum was built on this research, and was created by a collaboration between scientists, artists, and partners. Zion National Park extends a special thanks to the Zion Forever Project, St. George Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Utah Geological Survey and the National Science Foundation in their release. 'None of us could have done anything to this scale by ourselves,' Robyn Henderek, the park's physical scientist, is quoted. 'We all had a role to play in this process.' For more information about visiting this new exhibit, visit . Orangutan at Utah's Hogle Zoo expecting baby this month Trump and Musk feud escalates Tariff battle continues Zion museum's new temporary exhibit delves into research on end-Triassic extinction One person dead following accident on Highway 89 near Utah-Sanpete county line Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
