New Surijokocixiidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from the Middle Triassic of China

The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms never become fossils. Moreover, the fossil record only exhibits fossils that have been discovered. Nevertheless, sedimentary rock fossils of long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied organisms dominate the fossil record. These fossils offer valuable information, such as an organism's physical form, behavior, and age. Studying the fossil record helps...

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.

Types of Fossilization -IIFossils can form in different ways depending on how an organism is buried and preserved. Some fossils keep much of their original structure, while others leave only traces or imprints. Understanding different types of fossilization provides important clues about past life and environments. By studying fossils, it is possible to reconstruct ecosystems, climate conditions, and evolutionary changes over time.Science and Engineering Practice (SEP): Analyzing and...

FossilsFossils are preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past. They provide important evidence for understanding the history of life on Earth. By studying fossils, scientists can learn about extinct species, the changes over time, and how life has evolved. Fossils show patterns of gradual change and help identify relationships between ancient and modern species. This information supports the theory of evolution by documenting how life has changed across geological...

Paleozoic and Mesozoic SeasEarth’s oceans were full of life during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. In the Paleozoic Era, 541 to 252 million years ago, the seas were home to trilobites, brachiopods, and early fish. Coral reefs began to form, and the first vertebrates with jaws appeared. The Mesozoic Era, 252 to 66 million years ago, is often called the Age of Reptiles, but the oceans were just as important. Large marine reptiles like plesiosaurs and mosasaurs ruled the seas, along with...

Mesozoic Plate TectonicsImagine Earth’s land as one giant puzzle piece. A long time ago, during the Mesozoic Era, all the land on Earth was connected to one big supercontinent called Pangaea. Over millions of years, the pieces of this giant puzzle slowly drifted apart, forming the continents we see today. This movement happened because of plate tectonics, the slow shifting of vast sections of Earth’s crust. As these plates moved, they caused earthquakes, created mountains, and even changed...