Paleontology Research Highlights from 2025

Dr. Cary Woodruff, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at Frost Science, reviews significant paleontological findings from 2025. Key discoveries include evidence from New Mexico indicating dinosaurs were thriving just before the asteroid impact, challenging theories of gradual decline. A new dome-headed dinosaur named Zavacephale was identified with an unusually complete skeleton. Research on Nanotyrannus suggests it may be a distinct species from Tyrannosaurus rex, based on analysis of an adult specimen. The spiked dinosaur Spicomellus was further documented with additional skeletal remains found in Morocco. A new dating method using isotopes in dinosaur eggshells was proposed for determining fossil ages when volcanic ash is absent. These findings contribute to ongoing scientific understanding of prehistoric life.