Researchers have identified over 70 new species, from ancient dinosaurs to living mammals and insects preserved in amber
Scientists at the American Museum of Natural History identified more than 70 species new to science this year, uncovering life forms that range from biting fruit flies and a tiny mouse opossum to a feathered dinosaur preserved with traces of its final meal.
The discoveries span an impressive breadth of life, including dinosaurs, mammals, fishes, reptiles, insects, arachnids, marine invertebrates, and even a mineral never documented before. Together, these findings reinforce the Museum’s role as a global leader in exploring and understanding the natural world.
Discoveries From the Field and the Archives
Some of the newly described species were found during recent expeditions and modern fieldwork in remote locations. Others came to light only after scientists took a fresh look at specimens that had been stored in the Museum’s collections for decades. In many cases, advances in technology and new scientific approaches made it possible to recognize species that had gone unnoticed for years.
