MS-LS4-1
Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.
- Fossils
These prehistoric fliers likely nested together
Fossils in nest of newfound pterosaur species suggest these animals were part of a social network — and may even have lived communally.
- Animals
Surprise! Fossils in a flash
By studying how dead tissues decay — or turn to ‘instant’ fossils — scientists are gleaning helpful clues to what ancient life looked like.
- Fossils
Scary ‘chicken’ roamed Earth with T. rex
Scientists have just pieced together evidence of a weird new dinosaur that sported sharp claws, feathers and a beak. And it just may have been one of the last dinos to roam Earth about 67 million years ago.
- Fossils
Reviving dinosaurs
With the help of computers, researchers are getting a pretty good idea of how these ancient creatures moved, walked and ate.
- Archaeology
Ancient footprints surface in Britain
There are hints they could have been made by ancestors of Neandertals.
- Fossils
Where do humans come from?
Some scientists propose a newfound South African species as the most likely ancestor of the line that led to humans. But not everyone accepts that this is where it all began.
- Animals
The secret songs of giant beavers
Scientists discover a noisemaking chamber in the extinct animal’s skull.
- Fossils
Dino teeth tell a traveling tale
Dental evidence from sauropods suggests the mighty beasts migrated for food.
- Humans
Mummies share their secrets
Cutting-edge technology such as CT, or CAT, scans and endoscopes are allowing scientists to see not just what’s underneath the wrappings but also what’s inside a mummy’s body.
- Humans
Old bones ignite fresh debate
Scientists try to understand how 2 million-year-old fossils fit among ancient species.
- Animals
When the giant ants went marching
A new study of an ancient fossil suggests that 50 million years ago, supersized ants went on a cross-continental trek.
- Environment
Busy bacteria leave big mark
Earth’s earliest life-forms built mounds on an Antarctic lake bottom.
