July Highlights

1. The Discovery of the ‘Dragon Man’ and Other Key Anthropological Finds

June brought remarkable advancements in paleoanthropology. Researchers uncovered a previously unidentified human lineage in Israel and traced the chronological emergence of various human species in the renowned Denisova Cave. Most notably, scientists introduced the so-called ‘dragon man,’ a potential new archaic human species from China that coexisted with both modern humans and Neanderthals.

Check out these incredible findings here.

2. Did Dinosaurs Face Extinction Before the Asteroid Impact?

Was the dinosaur population already in decline prior to the asteroid collision 66 million years ago? A recent study employs innovative statistical methods to address gaps in fossil records. But does it truly resolve this pivotal question?

Find out more here.

3. Japan’s Ancient Shark Attack Victim Uncovered

An international team of scientists reported the discovery of the oldest known shark attack victim, identified from a 3,000-year-old skeleton found at the Tsukumo archaeological site in Japan.

Learn about the unfortunate individual who faced a tragic fate near the Seto Inland Sea here.

4. How Ants Influenced the Rapid Miniaturization of Dinosaurs

Around 100 million years ago, an unusual group of bird-like dinosaurs known as alvarezsaurids underwent significant size reduction, evolving from ostrich-sized hunters to chicken-sized creatures. A recent study from the University of Bristol suggests that this change was driven by a shift in diet, incorporating ants and termites.

Discover more about this intriguing evolutionary adaptation here.

5. Tyrannosaurs: The Apex Predators of the Cretaceous Period

The latest installment in the Mesozoic Quick Fact Series presents an overview of the Tyrannosauridae family, which includes the well-known Tyrannosaurus rex, recognized for its massive skull and formidable teeth.

Uncover fascinating facts about T. rex and its relatives here.

6. Noteworthy Paleontological Discoveries from July

This July, numerous exciting discoveries were reported in paleontology, including insights into how primitive ornithischian dinosaurs breathed, the description of a new hadrosauroid species from Spain, and evidence suggesting that pterosaurs likely took to the skies shortly after hatching.

Review the most significant paleontological findings from July 2021 here.

Special Feature: The Best and Worst-Known Dinosaur in Pop Culture

Originally published in February 2021, this month’s highlighted article is titled "The Best, Worst-Known Dinosaur of Pop Culture." The portrayal of the Dilophosaurus in the 1993 film Jurassic Park solidified its status as a cultural icon. However, many crucial aspects of its anatomy and evolutionary background remained obscure until recent discoveries shed light on the true appearance of this crested dinosaur.

Find out the real story behind the Dilophosaurus here.

The aim of the Tales of Prehistory publication is to showcase distinctive stories that educate, entertain, and inform readers about the incredible history of our planet. We believe that to grasp the complexities of today's life, one must first understand the rich past of our world.

We look forward to bringing you more captivating stories next month. Stay tuned!