May Stories

1. Supercharged King: The Fast Growth of T. rex

   A juvenile T. rex fossil named "Jane" is displayed at the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford. / Volkan Yuksel / Wikimedia Commons

Previous studies indicated that the renowned Tyrannosaurus grew at rates comparable to contemporary mammals and birds. However, it remained unclear whether other massive theropods from the Mesozoic Era exhibited similar growth patterns. Researchers at Chicago's Field Museum sought to investigate this intriguing question.

To uncover the unexpected outcomes of their research, click here.

2. Azhdarchids: The Giants of the Sky

   Azhdarchid pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus northropi / Tylwyth Eldar / Wikimedia Commons

The latest edition of the Mesozoic Quick Fact Series provides a brief overview of the Azhdarchidae, a family of advanced pterosaurs that includes the largest flying creatures known to exist. Genera like Arambourgiania, Hatzegopteryx, and Quetzalcoatlus boasted wingspans reaching between 10 and 12 meters (33–39 ft), making them formidable both in the air and on land.

Discover these colossal creatures of the Mesozoic skies here.

3. Noteworthy Paleontological Findings You Might Have Missed in May

   Size comparison between Machairodus giganteus and a common house cat, Felis catus / Coluberssymbol / Wikimedia Commons

This month saw the discovery of a new species of giant saber-toothed cat in North America, alongside the identification of three new dinosaur species from the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Additionally, prehistoric whales have been found to possess both teeth and baleen!

These are just a few highlights among many thrilling discoveries that emerged in paleontology over the past 30 days. May brought forth numerous studies, the description of several new species, and exciting theories concerning the biology and behavior of extinct animals.

Review the most significant paleontological findings from May 2021 here.

Special Featured Story

This month's special feature, originally published in December 2020, is titled Top Species of Giant Crocodilians You're Glad Are Extinct.

Skull of Sarcosuchus at the Muséum national d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. / Clstaudt / Wikimedia Commons

Crocodiles, alligators, and caimans belong to a highly successful lineage of reptiles that has existed for hundreds of millions of years. Their adaptability to hunt in both water and on land has allowed them to thrive across nearly every continent, posing a significant threat to any creature that ventures into their domain.

Their extinct relatives, which were larger and even more diverse, were formidable predators in ecosystems ruled by giant dinosaurs and other powerful beings.

Meet the most fearsome of these hyper-carnivorous giants here.

The aim of Tales of Prehistory is to present unique narratives that will educate, entertain, and inform readers about our planet's remarkable history. We strive to engage those who understand that grasping today's complexities requires a fundamental appreciation of our planet's past.

We look forward to sharing more intriguing stories next month. Stay tuned!

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