1. Whales surface in Italy
8.3 Fossil finds
Whales surface in Italy
Two 10-metre whale fossils have been found just below the ground in Italy. Scientist Elisabetta Cioppi said, ‘The fact that the skeleton is intact suggests that the whale died quickly and sank, possibly after being attacked. That could be the reason for the shark’s teeth we found among the bones.’
Reported in The Guardian, 2 April 2007

2. Fossil find: Tiny pterosaur
8.3 Fossil finds
Fossil find: Tiny pterosaur
Scientists in China have discovered the fossilised skeleton of a tiny flying reptile with a wingspan of just 25 cm. It probably lived in the forest canopy 150 million years ago. The find is exciting because most pterosaurs are found near the sea. This species lived inland and had foot adaptations similar to some birds’ which allowed it to live in trees.
Reported in The Guardian, 12 February 2008

3. Fossil find: giant penguin
8.3 Fossil finds
Fossil find: giant penguin
Scientists have changed their ideas about how penguins evolved, thanks to a new fossil find. The fossils reveal an ancient bird that was over 1.5 m tall, and weighed as much as a person. It had powerful arms, a chunky neck and an 18 cm beak. Scientist Julia Clarke thinks it might have used its strong neck and long beak to spear prey. ‘It is distinct from anything we have in living penguins,’ she said.
Reported in The Guardian, 26 June 2007

4. Fossil record: European giant unearthed
8.3 Fossil finds
Fossil record: European giant unearthed
A giant fossilised dinosaur discovered in Spain may be the biggest land animal ever found on European soil. The fossils are around 150 million years old. They include a forelimb bigger than a person. Scientists estimate the plant- eating Turiasaurus riodevensis would have been 30 to 37 m long, and weighed 40 to 48 tonnes – six or seven elephants.
Reprinted with permission from AAAS
Reported in The Guardian 22 December 2006