Smithsonian Science

For a dentist, the narwhal’s smile is a mystery of evolution

Incredibly, the narwhale’s only visible tooth is outside of its mouth. Its tusk, in fact, is a giant canine tooth—that can grow as long as 9 feet! [...more]

zoology Comments (2)

Fossil feathers from a Hawaiian cave help reveal lineage of extinct, flightless ibis

Ornithologists Carla Dove and Storrs Olson used 700- to 1,100-year-old feathers from a long extinct species of Hawaiian ibis to help determine the bird’s place in the ibis family tree. The feathers are the only known plumage of any of the prehistorically extinct birds that once inhabited the Hawaiian Islands. [...more]

paleontology, zoology Comments (0)

Video: A mummy ‘grows’ with CT scans and 3D digital technology

Using 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional CT scans, Natural History Museum anthropologists found that the brain and major organs were removed and rolls of linen filled out the abdominal cavity. This mummification method is evidence of superior embalming, indicating a person of higher status. [...more]

Featured, anthropology Comments (3)

Stranding records are faithful reflection of live whale and dolphin populations, new study reveals

By compiling and comparing long-term data from stranding records and visual sighting records, both taken from nearly every ocean basin in the world, Pyenson verified that stranding records “faithfully reflect the number of species and the relative abundance” found in live surveys. [...more]

conservation biology, zoology Comments (0)

Archaeological evidence confirms mass hunting of gazelles 5,000 years ago

A remarkable 5,000-year-old deposit of bones representing an entire herd of Persian gazelles recently discovered in northeastern Syria is firm evidence, scientists say, of an ancient hunting practice largely responsible for the near extinction of gazelles in this region today. [...more]

Featured, anthropology Comments (1)

Prehistoric bird able to yield extreme fighting force with club-like wings

The prehistoric Xenicibis used its wings like two clubs hinged at the wrist joint in order to swing at and attack one another. [...more]

Featured, geology, paleontology Comments (0)

Starch grains found on Neandertal teeth debunks theory that dietary deficiencies caused their extinction

The discovery of starch granules in the calculus on Neandertal teeth provides direct evidence that they made sophisticated, thoughtful food choices and ate more nutrient-rich plants, for example date palms, legumes and grains such as barley. [...more]

Featured, anthropology Comments (2)

One hundred sixty years after his birth a racehorse’s bones return to Lexington

Known as one of the greatest racehorses of his day and sire to more winning horses than any other American thoroughbred before or since, this Smithsonian loan returned the legendary Lexington's remains to the town of his birthplace some 160 years after he was born. [...more]

Tag Archive | "osteology"

For a dentist, the narwhal’s smile is a mystery of evolution

zoology Comments (2)

Fossil feathers from a Hawaiian cave help reveal lineage of extinct, flightless ibis

paleontology, zoology Comments (0)

Video: A mummy ‘grows’ with CT scans and 3D digital technology

Featured, anthropology Comments (3)

Stranding records are faithful reflection of live whale and dolphin populations, new study reveals

conservation biology, zoology Comments (0)

Archaeological evidence confirms mass hunting of gazelles 5,000 years ago

Featured, anthropology Comments (1)

Prehistoric bird able to yield extreme fighting force with club-like wings

Featured, geology, paleontology Comments (0)

Starch grains found on Neandertal teeth debunks theory that dietary deficiencies caused their extinction

Featured, anthropology Comments (2)

One hundred sixty years after his birth a racehorse’s bones return to Lexington

Research Topics, zoology Comments (2)

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