An ancient genus of Cretaceous mosasaurs, an extinct group of large aquatic reptiles, has been unearthed in Morocco. The newly discovered species, known as Carinodens, measures between 2 and 3 meters in length and is believed to have lived approximately 67 million years ago during the latest Maastrichtian age of the Cretaceous period.
The fossilized remains of Carinodens were found in the Sidi Chennane phosphate mine in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. Researchers noted that this species exhibits unique tooth morphology, suggesting significant evolutionary adaptations for preying on smaller marine life.
In a separate study, a groundbreaking estimate has revealed that the global ant population reaches an astonishing 20 quadrillion, roughly equating to 2.5 million ants for every human on Earth. This research, led by ecologists from the University of Michigan and the University of Hong Kong, highlights the critical role ants play in ecosystems, including seed dispersal and soil aeration.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized data from over 1,300 locations worldwide to arrive at this figure. It also revealed that ants contribute approximately 12 megatons of carbon biomass, underscoring their ecological significance.
Both discoveries emphasize the importance of biodiversity and the need for ongoing research to monitor and protect these critical species and their habitats.