Animals

Warped amphibian-like fossils in Ireland were likely transformed by superheated fluids that were released as ancient continents crashed into one another around 300 million years ago.

New research contradicts the claim that diplodocids could whip their tails at supersonic speeds. Instead, it was a (still impressive) 62 mph.

Humans began selectively breeding dogs around 2,000 years ago, and these genes play a role in your pup's behavior, a new study of 4,000 purebred, mixed-breed and wild dogs finds.

A fossil skull from a toothy early relative of today's birds shows a weirdly modern skull configuration, raising new questions about the early evolution of birds.

Not only did ankylosaurs like "Zuul" use their tails as weapons against potential predators, but they also used them to battle their peers.

Ancient mammals were better adapted than nonavian dinosaurs to survive the Chicxulub asteroid impact.

The annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition People's Choice shortlist highlights animals from ecosystems across Earth.

About 90% of all species went extinct during the "Great Dying" around 252 million years ago, but in the case of one paleo-beast — the so-called gorgon — reports of its death were greatly exaggerated, new research finds.

Bats vibrate special vocal folds to produce low-pitched growls like those of death metal singers.

Despite being palm-size, this Triassic lizard had a vicious bite.

Scientists recently discovered the first non-avian theropod dinosaur with a streamlined body similar to that of penguins, auks and other modern diving birds.

Fangy Whatcheeria measured up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long, and more than 300 million years ago, it was the apex predator in the sinkholes-turned-lakes of the American Midwest.

An ancient worm unearthed in China has one of the oldest fossilized brains ever found. The brain's shape could also help solve a centuries-old debate about the evolution of arthropods.

A parasite that can alter animal behavior is changing the habits of infected wolves in Yellowstone, increasing aggression and goading them into taking greater risks.

The new "dwarf dinosaur" species lends more evidence to the "island rule," which posits that animals evolving on islands become smaller than their mainland counterparts.

Octopus brains may have grown smart from an enormous diversity of microRNAs that let them grow multiple types of brain cells.

Paleontologists have discovered fossils belonging to a newfound species of tyrannosaur, which could fill an important gap in the evolutionary history of T. rex.

There are two contenders for the world's largest squid, and both are giants.

Paleontologists in China have examined the remarkable gut remnants of a birdlike dinosaur that lived more than 100 million years ago.

Bites from brown recluse spiders can cause an autoimmune form of hemolytic anemia, in which red blood cells are destroyed by the immune system.