These Are The Coolest Fossils From 2023

TL;DR

Researchers have made several exciting fossil discoveries in 2023, including a unique pterosaur with an unusual set of teeth, a new type of mosasaur with never-before-seen tooth shape, shiny gold fossils with surprising mineral makeup, the largest land predator in South America during the Permian period, the identification of the first fossilized dinosaur larynx, new insights into the risks and benefits of long necks in marine reptiles, and evidence of a small mammal attacking a dinosaur three times its size.

Transcript

It’s that time of year when we reflect on the biggest events of the last 365 days. I am, of course, referring to all the cool fossils that researchers have found. We’ve rounded up our favorite fossil finds announced in 2023 from bizarre teeth, chirping mega-dinos, and the absolutely sickest fight to the death you’ll EVER hear about. Let’s dig in! [... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦷 Pterosaur species discovered in Germany had a peculiar jaw shape and teeth arrangement, designed for filter feeding.
• 🙈 A new mosasaur species exhibited a tooth shape never seen before, highlighting the ongoing discovery of unique adaptations in ancient marine reptiles.
• 🤑 Gold-colored fossils in Germany's Posidonia shale proved to be rich in phosphate minerals, challenging previous assumptions about fossil formation in the area.
• 🇬🇸 The fossil of a dinocephalian in Brazil demonstrated the presence of large land predators in South America during the Permian period.
• 🦕 The identification of the first fossilized dinosaur larynx provided insights into the vocalization capabilities of early dinosaur relatives.
• 😀 The decapitated Tanystropheus fossils revealed the risks long-necked marine reptiles faced from predators.
• 🦕 A small mammal attacking a dinosaur three times its size showcased the competition between mammals and dinosaurs during the Late Triassic period.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the pterosaur species discovered in Germany unique?

The pterosaur had a jaw shaped like two bent spatulas, with a series of small, hooked teeth forming an interlocking wave. Its mouth had a permanent funnel-like opening, allowing for filter feeding.

Q: What is the significance of the discovery of a new mosasaur tooth shape?

The new mosasaur tooth shape, resembling a phillips-head screwdriver with serrations, is unprecedented in any known species. Its exact dietary preferences and feeding style remain unknown.

Q: How did the discovery of gold-colored fossils challenge existing theories about fossil formation?

Contrary to expectations, the gold color of fossils in Germany's Posidonia shale did not result from pyrite mineralization. Instead, it was caused by phosphate minerals, indicating the presence of oxygen during fossil formation.

Q: What does the discovery of the largest land predator in South America during the Permian period reveal about the environment at that time?

The fossil of the dinocephalian in Brazil provides insights into the role of a large land predator before the evolution of dinosaurs and the mass extinction that wiped out many ancient species.

Q: What did the identification of the first fossilized dinosaur larynx reveal about dinosaur vocalizations?

The identified fossilized larynx in an Ankylosaurus suggests that the dinosaur had complex vocal expressions similar to birds. This indicates that the ability to modify sounds through vocal cord manipulation evolved in dinosaur relatives before the emergence of birds.

Q: What did the Tanystropheus fossils tell researchers about predator-prey interactions?

The decapitation of two Tanystropheus reptiles provides insight into the risks long-necked marine reptiles faced from predators. These fossils demonstrate the violent interactions between marine reptiles and highlight the evolutionary advantages and disadvantages of having a long neck.

Q: What is the significance of the mammal attacking a dinosaur fossil?

The fossilized mammal attacking a dinosaur three times its size reveals the competition between mammals and dinosaurs during the Late Triassic period. Despite the size difference, mammals were capable of boldly attacking dinosaurs, showcasing their ability to hold their own against reptilian rivals.

Q: What are some of the key fossil discoveries from 2023?

Some key fossil discoveries from 2023 include the unique teeth and jaw shape of a pterosaur, a new mosasaur with never-before-seen tooth shape, gold-colored fossils with surprising mineral makeup, the largest land predator in South America during the Permian period, the first fossilized dinosaur larynx, insights into the risks and benefits of long necks in marine reptiles, and evidence of a small mammal attacking a dinosaur three times its size.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A brand-new species of pterosaur with a peculiar set of teeth was discovered in Southern Germany. Its jaw was shaped like two bent spatulas, with a series of small, hooked teeth forming an interlocking wave and a permanent funnel-like opening for filter feeding.

• A new type of mosasaur with a never-before-seen tooth shape, resembling a phillips-head screwdriver with serrations, was found. Its specific diet and feeding style remain a mystery.

• Previously assumed to be rich in pyrite, the gold color of fossils found in Germany's Posidonia shale actually came from phosphate minerals, challenging existing theories about fossil formation in the region.

• A fossil of a dinocephalian, the largest land predator in South America during the middle Permian period, was discovered in Brazil, providing insights into the predator's role in the environment before the evolution of dinosaurs.

• The first ever fossilized reptilian dinosaur larynx, similar in form to the voice boxes of birds, was identified in an Ankylosaurus fossil, suggesting that early dinosaur relatives had complex vocal expressions.

• New information about Tanystropheus fossils revealed their decapitated state, shedding light on the risks long-necked marine reptiles faced from predators.

• Two intertwined fossils in China depict a small mammal attacking a dinosaur three times its size, highlighting the competition between mammals and dinosaurs during the Late Triassic period.