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Otodus

Otodus

Paleogene

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Paleogene

Otodus Obliquus

Catalogued as Otodus

A tooth specimen from the Paleogene.

PaleogeneTooth

Photograph by a community member

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Latest Discoveries & Research

ScienceDaily · 2026-10-21

A massive asteroid slammed into the North Sea and unleashed a 330-foot tsunami

Recent geological analysis of the Silverpit Crater, located 700 meters beneath the North Sea, has conclusively determined its origin. Scientists have confirmed that the crater was formed by the impact of a 160-meter-wide asteroid striking Earth between 43 and 46 million years ago. The research reconstructs the cataclysmic event, revealing that the collision generated a massive plume of debris reaching 1.5 kilometers into the atmosphere and triggered a devastating tsunami exceeding 100 meters in height. This discovery resolves a long-standing debate among geologists regarding the formation of this unique underwater structure and provides significant insight into historical planetary bombardment events.

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ScienceDaily · 2026-10-20

Scientists discover a bizarre Jurassic “squid” unlike anything ever seen

Researchers have unearthed a unique fossil specimen in Wyoming representing the stoutest belemnite ever documented. Dating back 160 million years to the Jurassic period, this creature exhibits a distinct, barrel-shaped body that deviates significantly from the typical torpedo-like morphology of other known belemnites. This discovery suggests the existence of a specialized group of predatory cephalopods that successfully thrived in ancient marine environments despite being thought to have vanished earlier. The find is particularly important because it reveals unexpected anatomical diversity within the belemnite lineage, providing fresh insights into the evolutionary adaptations of these squid-like creatures during the Jurassic period and highlighting the preservation potential of rare marine fossils in this region.

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ScienceDaily · 2026-10-18

Archaeologists discover 1,200-year-old mummified hairless dog in Peru

Archaeologists working at an ancient Wari Empire site in Peru have unearthed exceptionally well-preserved remains of the iconic Peruvian hairless dog. Dating back approximately 1,200 years, the find includes multiple mummified specimens, including puppies, which were interred alongside their human owners. This discovery offers a rare, detailed glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between the Wari people and their domestic animals. Through the analysis of the dogs' teeth, dietary patterns, and specific burial rituals, researchers are gaining significant insights into the domestication, breeding practices, and cultural status of these dogs in pre-Columbian society. The preservation of both adult and juvenile remains provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the historical health and life cycle of this specific breed.

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Prehistoric Vault was built by fossil collectors, for fossil collectors. Our mission is to make it easy to document, organize, and share the incredible specimens that connect us to Earth's ancient past. Whether you're a weekend rock hound or a seasoned paleontology enthusiast, you belong here.

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