Abstracts » News, opinion and commentary

Bones of contention

Article Abstract:

A 16-mm-long fossil of an early Cretaceous placental mammal may upset paleontological assumptions of the Asian evolutionary origins of mammals. American researchers Tom and Pat Rich were about to abandon a five-year dig at the Inverloch, Victoria south coast site when a volunteer unearthed the fossil. It has been named 'Ausktribosphenos nyktos,' but Tom Rich discounts Australian claims of being the center of evolution.

Biography, Paleontology, Cretaceous period, Flannery, Tim, Rich, Pat, Rich, Tom

---

Triumph of the coneheads

Article Abstract:

Paleobotanists Andrew Drinnan and Carrick Chambers discovered the fossil record of the Wollemi pine in 1986, eight years before Australian National Parks and Wildlife personnel found living specimens of the ancient species. They failed to name it because they thought the tree was extinct. The unusual conifer was spotted in a gorge in the Wollemi National Park. Its exact location remains a secret.

Discovery and exploration, Pine, Pines, Paleobotany

---

A moth in the country

Article Abstract:

Issues are presented concerning the uncertain future of the bogong moth and of the dependance of the mountain pygmy possum, an endangered species, on it for food. The annual migration of the moths is discussed.

Environmental aspects, Moths

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.