CURIOSITIES

If you’ve ever imagined walking alongside an armored dinosaur, the Nodosaurus is the one that would come to mind. This herbivorous dinosaur lived approximately 110 million years ago during the Cretaceous period and stood out for its impressive bony armor. Unlike other dinosaurs, like the fierce carnivores we see in movies, the Nodosaurus was peaceful but well-protected from predators thanks to the bony plates covering its back.

The Grand Canyon, which today we see as a colossal desert canyon, was once a shallow, clear sea full of life. In this “window in time,” researchers found a priapulid — a marine worm — with rings of teeth on its retractable mouthpart. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s real science. And it’s exactly this contrast between the familiar (a “worm”) and the surprising (an “inside-out mouth” with circular teeth) that makes these FOSSILS so irresistible for anyone who loves stories from Earth’s deep past.

When we think of giant turtles, we imagine animals that have crossed centuries with majestic slowness. But have you ever wondered what their ancestors were like millions of years ago? Fossils of giant turtles allow us to travel back in time, understand their impressive size, anatomy, and habits, and reveal adaptations to environmental and climate changes.

When we think of whales, the first image that comes to mind is a giant blue whale gliding gracefully through the ocean. But have you ever wondered what life was like for these enormous mammals millions of years ago? That’s where blue whale FOSSILS come in: true portals to a distant past, allowing us to understand not only the size and anatomy of these animals but also their behavior and interaction with the environment.

The Importance of Fossils of Ancient Fish and Sharks

Identifying fossil species is a true scientific challenge. Distinguishing one fossil from another, or understanding its relationship with modern species, requires a careful eye, patience, and extensive research. It's not just about “finding an ancient bone” and naming it: each structure reveals clues about how the animal lived, what it ate, and how it moved. For researchers and paleontologists, comparing ancient fossils with modern species is essential for tracing the evolutionary tree and understanding transformations over time.

The excavation and study of dinosaur fossils is one of the most fascinating fields of paleontology, requiring not only technical skill and a deep understanding of geology but also the use of specialized equipment and advanced methodologies. Unlike amateurs who may embark on fossil-hunting adventures, professional excavation requires a combination of sophisticated tools, rigorous excavation methods, and a profound knowledge of stratigraphy and sedimentary geology.

The ocean has always been a place of mystery and discovery. From calm waves to deep, unexplored depths, the sea hides fascinating secrets, including marine fossils. Fossils of marine organisms are some of the most impressive remnants we study to understand the evolution of life on Earth. And now, thanks to technology, anyone can use an app to discover fossils and begin their journey of paleontological exploration, without leaving home or the beach.

Have you ever been hiking, found a stone with strange marks, and wondered: “Is this a fossil or just a different rock?” This curiosity is very common. The good news is that today there are apps to discover fossils that help anyone — from curious explorers to students — record and identify finds in a practical way.The phone has become a kind of pocket microscope: with the camera, artificial intelligence, and a bit of guidance, it’s possible to recognize fossilized patterns and get closer to the fascinating world of paleontology.