Paleontology | UC Davis

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A brown snail on the edge of a ragged leaf.

Evolution of New Physical Traits in Mollusks has Declined and Grown More Predictable Over Time

by Greg Watry
March 04, 2026

Illustration of a flat, oval, ribbed, orange/brown object on a sea floor with sand and weeds.

How Did Animals Eat Before Mouths?

by Greg Watry
September 12, 2025

Artistic rendering of two whales against a white background. The blue whale in the background is larger. At right is a silhouette of a scuba diver to scale.

Slimming Down a Colossal Fossil Whale

by Andy Fell
February 29, 2024

Colorful, bristled worm-like animal among brightly colored coral.

Molecular Fossils Shed Light on Ancient Life

by Andy Fell
December 07, 2023

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Geerat Vermeij, portrait, leabing against files, UC Davis faculty

Geerat Vermeij Discusses New Book: The Evolution of Power: A New Understanding of the History of Life

by Greg Watry
November 02, 2023

Head and forelegs of a large, green/brown lizard lying on gravel with its head held up.

Reanalysis Shows Dinosaurs Not So Warm-Blooded

by Andy Fell
September 07, 2023

Rendering of two dinosaurs at a water hole.

Investigating the Prehistoric Origins of Plant-Eating

by Greg Watry
June 23, 2023

Fossilized stomach contents

Ichthyosaur’s Last Meal Is Evidence of Triassic Megapredation

by Andy Fell
August 20, 2020

Marine reptile fossils

Researchers Describe New Reptile Platypus From the Early Triassic

by Andy Fell
January 24, 2019

Ichthyosaurs and other marine reptiles invaded the oceans after the Permian mass extinction. (Cory Ford/Getty Images)

Marine Life Quickly Recovered After Global Mass Extinction

by Becky Oskin
June 13, 2016

Fossil of marine reptile

New Fossil Changes Ideas About Marine Reptile Evolution

by Andy Fell
May 23, 2016

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