mass extinction
How sharks survived the mass extinction asteroid that killed the dinosaurs
The mass extinction event resulted from the impact of a giant space rock that smashed into the Earth around 66 million years ago.
How dinosaur ancestors survived Earth's biggest mass extinction
A discovery suggests that an ancient species acquired a key evolutionary innovation before a mass extinction event, enabling related creatures to dominate the Earth for millions of years.
Cannonball-Sized Dinosaur Eggs Filled With Crystals Discovered in China
The two fossilized eggs, which were filled with clusters of calcite crystals, are from a new species of dinosaur.
Ancient, Violent Sea Monster Discovered Alongside Its Victims
The fossilized remains of a new species ancient mosasaur, a giant marine reptile from the dinosaur age, has been discovered.
Near-Extinct Irrawaddy Dolphin Drowns Entangled in Fishing Net
The endangered dolphin is known for its expressive face and association with fishing boats, but it faces many threats.
Ancient Transylvanian Turtle Survived Asteroid That Killed the Dinosaurs
Dortoka vremiri's aquatic environment and home in the relatively sheltered Hateg Basin helped it pull through the mass extinction.
Balkanatolia: Long Forgotten Continent May Have Been Rediscovered
The previously undiscovered landmass can offer clues into a mysterious mass extinction event that happened around 34 million years ago
Supernova Explosions May Have Caused Mass Extinction 350 Million Years Ago
Supernovae are cataclysmic explosions that occur during the last evolutionary stages in the life of massive stars.
Asteroid Hit Created Conditions Required to Destroy All Dinosaur Habitats
Latest study supports the idea that the asteroid impact 66 million years ago was the main driver of dinosaur extinction, not intense volcanic activity as some have suggested.
Huge Saber-Toothed Anchovies Emerged After Dinosaurs Went Extinct
The largest of these prehistoric species was 10 times the length of anchovies living today.
CO2 From Mass Extinction Volcanic Eruptions Same as 21st Century Emissions
Scientists say the environmental changes that took place in the end-Triassic extinction event could be similar to what is predicted for the near future.
'Wonderchicken' From 66 Million Years Ago Is 'Oldest Known Modern Bird'
The extinct animal may reveal how modern birds survived the asteroid that wiped out large dinosaurs.
Fossil Corals Suggest a Mass Extinction Is on the Way
"We are beginning to transition and go through the extinction," study author David Gruber said. "Who comes out the other side is up for grabs."
Two-thirds of Americans Recognise There's a 'Climate Change Emergency'
"People still don't realise how bad the world's climate and natural environment have become. Misperceptions about climate change and the ecological crisis are all too clear."
Prehistoric Beasts With Enormous Heads Roamed the Earth Before Dinosaurs
248 million-year-old fossils discovered in Russia almost 60 years ago re-examined by scientists.
Humans Pump Out 100 Times More CO2 Than All the Earth's Volcanoes Combined
Scientists from the Deep Carbon Observatory have provided results from a decade-long study into the world's carbon reservoirs.
Seventh Mass Extinction? Deadly Event Occurred 260 Million Years Ago
Scientists believe that the Earth is currently going through its sixth mass extinction event.
This Is What Happened on the Day the Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Hit Earth
A study has reconstructed the immediate aftermath of the asteroid 66 million years ago to learn more about the impact of the momentous event.
Two Billion Years Ago, up to 99 Percent of Life on Earth Died
Huge changes to the oxygen levels on our planet caused the mega die-off, researchers found.
Indigenous Lands Have Highest Biodiversity: Study
The Earth is in the grips of what scientists have dubbed the "Sixth Mass Extinction" with the global rate of species extinction at least "tens to hundreds of times higher" than the average over the past 10 million years.
Nearly 600 Plant Species Have Gone Extinct in the Last 250 Years
Plant extinctions endanger other organisms, ecosystems and the ability of humans to survive on our planet.
Earth's Magnetic Field May Have Been Involved in Neanderthal Extinction
Study suggests weakening of the field resulted in reduced protection from UV rays, leading to mammalian extinctions on Earth.
Dinosaur-killing Asteroid Made Rock Flow Like Liquid
The research could help scientists understand natural disasters like landslides.
Human-Driven Animal Extinction Is Outpacing Evolution
But if we act now, conservation efforts could save "billions of years of unique evolutionary history," scientists say.
Most Life on Earth Wiped Out in the Blink of an Eye
The Great Dying mass extinction saw 90 percent of life disappear in just 30,000 years.
Scientists Discover Driving Force of Mass Extinction
The eruption may have wiped out the ozone layer.
Ocean Oxygen Shortage Preceded Mass Extinction
The finding fills in the gap between volcanic eruptions and marine extinctions that had been bugging scientists.
Destroyed Ozone Layer In Earth's Past Sterilized Trees
The latest subject revealing our Earth's past: bonsai-like pine trees.
Antarctica: 260 Million-Year-Old Forest Discovered
U.S. scientists find fossil fragments from 13 trees locked away on the Transantarctic Mountains.