今年我国古生物学研究多领域取得突破 今年，我国古生物学界多点开花、捷报频传。从天空飞鸟到陆地生灵，从早期生命到人类先祖，一系列 重大发现为全球演化研究书写下浓墨重彩的"中国篇章"。 天穹寻踪：刷新演化历史 鸟类从恐龙演化而来，通过漫长的进化过程逐渐发展出羽毛和飞行能力。长久以来，生活在约1.5亿年 前的始祖鸟，被视为最早的鸟类，而今年的一项重磅发现改写了这一认知。 郧县人头像复原图。 川南多齿兽头骨重建示意图。 政和八闽鸟和政和动物群生态复原图。 我是谁？我从哪里来？我要到哪里去？这些贯穿人类文明的终极之问，可以在古老化石中找到最鲜活的 答案。通过亿万年的遗存，科研人员回溯生命演化的足迹，努力破解地球的远古奥秘。 中国科学院古脊椎与古人类研究所等团队今年从两件老化石中找到了新证据：其中，川南多齿兽展示了 一种独特的颌关节形态，证明从爬行动物到哺乳动物的颌关节演化并非单一路径；而云南禄丰曲髁兽的 关节则呈现出更原始的形态，恰好填补了颌关节演化形态的过渡环节。 人类寻根：解锁先祖密码 所有演化的追问，最终指向人类自身。今年，古人类研究有诸多震撼发现。 长期以来，青藏高原人群的遗传成分中，除大部分源自中国北方人群外 ...

政和八闽鸟和政和动物群生态复原图。（中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所供图） 郧县人头像复原图。（中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所供图） 我是谁？我从哪里来？我要到哪里去？这些贯穿人类文明的终极之问，可以在古老化石中找到最鲜 活的答案。通过亿万年的遗存，科研人员回溯生命演化的足迹，努力破解地球的远古奥秘。 今年，我国古生物学界多点开花、捷报频传。从天空飞鸟到陆地生灵，从早期生命到人类先祖，一 系列重大发现为全球演化研究书写下浓墨重彩的"中国篇章"。 天穹寻踪：刷新演化历史 鸟类从恐龙演化而来，通过漫长的进化过程逐渐发展出羽毛和飞行能力。长久以来，生活在约1.5 亿年前的始祖鸟，被视为最早的鸟类，而今年的一项重磅发现改写了这一认知。 在福建政和，我国科研人员发现了一种全新的鸟类化石"政和八闽鸟"。它最特殊的地方，在于尾椎 减少、具有愈合的尾综骨。尾骨缩短是恐龙向鸟类演化中最彻底的形态变化之一，这一发现将现代鸟类 的身体构型出现时间，向前推进了近2000万年，证明在恐龙称霸的侏罗纪时期，鸟类演化的关键进程已 然开启。 与此同时，中美两国科研人员合作发现的一件始祖鸟新标本"芝加哥标本"，以其保存完好的骨骼、 软组 ...

来源：新华社 我是谁？我从哪里来？我要到哪里去？这些贯穿人类文明的终极之问，可以在古老化石中找到最鲜活的答案。通过亿万年的遗存，科研人员回 溯生命演化的足迹，努力破解地球的远古奥秘。 今年，我国古生物学界多点开花、捷报频传。从天空飞鸟到陆地生灵，从早期生命到人类先祖，一系列重大发现为全球演化研究书写下浓墨重 彩的"中国篇章"。 天穹寻踪：刷新演化历史 鸟类从恐龙演化而来，通过漫长的进化过程逐渐发展出羽毛和飞行能力。长久以来，生活在约1.5亿年前的始祖鸟，被视为最早的鸟类，而今 年的一项重磅发现改写了这一认知。 在福建政和，我国科研人员发现了一种全新的鸟类化石"政和八闽鸟"。它最特殊的地方，在于尾椎减少、具有愈合的尾综骨。尾骨缩短是恐龙 向鸟类演化中最彻底的形态变化之一，这一发现将现代鸟类的身体构型出现时间，向前推进了近2000万年，证明在恐龙称霸的侏罗纪时期，鸟 类演化的关键进程已然开启。 政和八闽鸟和政和动物群生态复原图。（中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所供图） 与此同时，中美两国科研人员合作发现的一件始祖鸟新标本"芝加哥标本"，以其保存完好的骨骼、软组织及羽毛等细节，为恐龙到鸟类演化关 键期的头骨演化和 ...

新华社北京12月19日电 题：改写生命演化史！2025我国古生物学研究在多领域取得突破 新华社记者刘祯 我是谁？我从哪里来？我要到哪里去？这些贯穿人类文明的终极之问，可以在古老化石中找到最鲜活的 答案。通过亿万年的遗存，科研人员回溯生命演化的足迹，努力破解地球的远古奥秘。 今年，我国古生物学界多点开花、捷报频传。从天空飞鸟到陆地生灵，从早期生命到人类先祖，一系列 重大发现为全球演化研究书写下浓墨重彩的"中国篇章"。 天穹寻踪：刷新演化历史 鸟类从恐龙演化而来，通过漫长的进化过程逐渐发展出羽毛和飞行能力。长久以来，生活在约1.5亿年 前的始祖鸟，被视为最早的鸟类，而今年的一项重磅发现改写了这一认知。 在福建政和，我国科研人员发现了一种全新的鸟类化石"政和八闽鸟"。它最特殊的地方，在于尾椎减 少、具有愈合的尾综骨。尾骨缩短是恐龙向鸟类演化中最彻底的形态变化之一，这一发现将现代鸟类的 身体构型出现时间，向前推进了近2000万年，证明在恐龙称霸的侏罗纪时期，鸟类演化的关键进程已然 开启。 与此同时，中美两国科研人员合作发现的一件始祖鸟新标本"芝加哥标本"，以其保存完好的骨骼、软组 织及羽毛等细节，为恐龙到鸟类演化关键 ...

Core Insights - A recent study by Chinese scientists reveals the critical role of deep-sea oxidative sediments in the global molybdenum cycle, enhancing the accuracy of geochemical indicators used to infer historical environmental changes on Earth [1][2] - The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, provides new scientific evidence for understanding the evolution of Earth's habitability and addressing future environmental changes [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The study indicates that the δ⁹⁸Mo values in deep-sea sediments are significantly higher than those in typical iron-manganese crusts and nodules, suggesting a global universality of this phenomenon [2] - A vertical increase in molybdenum isotope composition with depth was observed, driven by the penetration of molybdenum from bottom seawater into sediments and a recycling process within sediment columns [2] - The research team recalculated the output flux and isotopic composition of molybdenum from global oxidative sediments, finding that the flux is over twice previous estimates, accounting for 45% of the total oceanic molybdenum output [2] Group 2: Implications for Earth's History - The updated model suggests that previous studies may have significantly overestimated the distribution of "sulfidic anoxic" basins in the global ocean during geological periods such as the Paleoproterozoic, Cambrian, Early Jurassic, and the Permian-Triassic boundary [2] - This implies that ancient oceans may have been more "breathable" than previously thought, creating a more favorable environment for the evolution and flourishing of early life [3] - The changes in Earth's oxygen levels directly influenced the evolution of life and major biological events, such as the Cambrian explosion, providing key insights into the origins of life [3]

Core Insights - The research team from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry and the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology has conducted a systematic study on deep-sea sediment cores from the western Pacific, revealing a significant upward trend in molybdenum isotope composition with increasing depth, suggesting a potential global universality of this pattern [1][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - Molybdenum (Mo) is a sensitive element to redox conditions and its isotopic composition is widely used to trace the redox history of ancient oceans, making it crucial for understanding the geological history of oceanic and atmospheric oxygen levels [1]. - The study indicates that previous assumptions about the sources and isotopic balance of molybdenum in modern oceans need reevaluation, as the focus has been primarily on iron-manganese nodules, which represent only a small fraction of oceanic sediments [1][4]. Group 2: Implications of the Study - The updated model suggests that previous research may have significantly overestimated the distribution of euxinic basins in ancient oceans, indicating that early marine environments were likely more oxygenated than previously thought, which could have facilitated the evolution and proliferation of early life [5]. - This research provides critical insights into the role of deep-sea oxidized sediments in the global molybdenum cycle and enhances the accuracy of reconstructing historical environmental changes based on geochemical indicators, contributing to a better understanding of Earth's habitability evolution and future environmental changes [5].

Core Insights - China's paleontology has gained significant international influence and aims to increase its presence in global scientific discourse through more contributions and recognition in textbooks [1][8]. Group 1: Achievements and Contributions - The 2025 Future Science Prize awarded to scientists for fossil evidence linking birds to dinosaurs highlights China's advancements in paleontology [2]. - Xu Xing, a prominent figure in the field, has published over 300 papers and named more than 80 new dinosaur species, elevating China's status in dinosaur research [2][3]. Group 2: Research Methodologies - The discovery of the earliest known flying dinosaur, the "Qiyulong," challenges traditional views on the evolution of flight, showcasing the importance of advanced imaging techniques like CT scans [3][4]. - The integration of artificial intelligence in paleontological research is becoming more prevalent, aiding in the processing of complex data [5]. Group 3: Future Directions - The future of paleontology is expected to involve a fusion of geological and biological data, enhancing the understanding of evolutionary processes [7][12]. - China's unique fossil resources from the Mesozoic era provide a significant opportunity for impactful research, particularly in reconstructing ancient ecosystems [9]. Group 4: Educational and Institutional Challenges - The field of paleontology faces challenges in talent cultivation due to its niche status and limited job prospects, although public interest is growing [10][11]. - Continuous investment in basic scientific research is essential for the long-term development of paleontology in China [11]. Group 5: Climate Change Insights - Paleontological studies offer critical insights into historical climate changes and their impacts on biodiversity, which can inform current ecological challenges [15][16]. - Understanding past mass extinction events can provide valuable lessons for addressing contemporary environmental crises [15][16].

Core Insights - The research reveals the significant role of protein high-order features in functional adaptive convergent evolution, providing a new perspective on the mystery of life evolution [1][6] - The study utilizes an artificial intelligence-based protein language model to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind convergent evolution, moving beyond traditional methods that focus solely on single amino acid changes [2][4] Group 1: Research Methodology - The research team developed a computational analysis framework named "ACEP," which leverages pre-trained protein language models to capture complex contextual information and high-order features from protein sequences [2][4] - ACEP's analysis process involves calculating the real distance of homologous protein embedding vectors, simulating neutral evolution to construct background distance distributions, and statistically testing for significant high-order feature convergence signals [4][5] Group 2: Findings and Implications - The ACEP framework successfully identified significant high-order feature convergence signals in known cases, such as the Prestin protein in echolocating mammals and PEPC/PPCK proteins in Crassulacean acid metabolism plants [5] - The framework also identified hundreds of candidate genes with convergent signals in bats and toothed whales, with some genes significantly associated with sensory perception functions related to echolocation [5][6] - This research marks a paradigm shift in evolutionary biology by systematically revealing the importance of protein high-order feature convergence in adaptive evolution, showcasing the potential of AI technology in addressing complex biological questions [6]

Group 1 - The book "The Islamic Empire: Fifteen Cities Defining a Civilization" explores the historical and cultural significance of key cities in the Islamic world from the 7th to the 21st century, highlighting their architecture, culture, and the dynasties or families associated with them [2] - The book "The Monsters We Fear: Our Inner Demons and the Meaning of Monsters" examines the complex relationship between humans and monsters, suggesting that monsters are projections of human fears, desires, and chaos, serving as metaphors for the eternal struggle between civilization and barbarism [4] - "The Life of the Wife of Bath: A Biography of a Remarkable Woman" discusses the character of Alison from Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," emphasizing her challenge to misogyny and the importance of women's self-expression in literature [6] Group 2 - "Dear Kin: A New Narrative of King Philip's War" reinterprets the historical narrative of King Philip's War, focusing on the perspectives of marginalized figures such as Indigenous women leaders and the complexities of cultural identity during the conflict [8] - "The Political Archaeology: Power Structures from the 17th Century to Present" presents a historical analysis of the concept of "politicality," arguing that political realities are shaped by historical transformations rather than being natural entities [10] - "Old Clothes, New Cuts" critiques modern materialism and social injustice through a philosophical lens, exploring the protagonist's journey from despair to spiritual awakening [12] Group 3 - "How Novels Think: The Limits of Individualism 1719-1900" discusses the relationship between the development of the novel and the formation of modern individual identity, highlighting the novel's role in shaping and revealing the contradictions of individualism [14] - "The Debate on Rights: Philosophical Explorations" investigates the nature of legal and moral rights, exploring fundamental questions about the essence and conditions of rights [16] - "The Tongzhi Restoration: The Last Resistance of Chinese Conservatism (1862-1874)" details the efforts of the Qing government during the Tongzhi Restoration, analyzing the historical conditions and mechanisms behind its near success and eventual failure [18] Group 4 - "The Nature of Happiness" critically evaluates various philosophical theories of happiness, exploring how modern conceptions differ from ancient views and questioning the moral implications of happiness [20] - "The Rubber Empire: The Struggle for Land and Power in Liberia" chronicles the establishment of a rubber empire by Firestone in Liberia, detailing the exploitation of land and labor under the guise of development [22] - "Classical Political Philosophy: Basic Principles" provides insights into Aristotle's political philosophy, addressing contemporary issues related to modernity and political thought [24] Group 5 - "The Things We Can Design: Beyond Human-Centered Worlds" critiques the anthropocentric approach in design, advocating for a more inclusive and relational design philosophy that addresses ecological concerns [26] - "A Brief History of Students" reflects on the evolving nature of student life and the core purpose of education in fostering independent thinking [28] - "The Brain: An Organ of Relationships" redefines the brain as a relational organ, emphasizing its role within the ecological network of life and its continuous transformation through interaction [30] Group 6 - "The British Industrial Revolution: Economic Transformation and the Establishment of Global Dominance" analyzes the factors that led to the Industrial Revolution in Britain and its profound impacts on various sectors [32] - "Caribbean on the Table: Food, Texts, and Culture" explores how diasporic writers use food to construct identity, examining the tensions between traditional and modern culinary practices [34] - "The Autumn Leaves Collection" is a compilation of essays reflecting on life, literature, and the influence of various literary figures on the author's thoughts [36] Group 7 - "The Reasons for Fear of Work" investigates the rising psychological issues related to work in Japan, providing insights into the workplace environment and suggesting constructive solutions [38] - "The Language of the Inuit: Semantics and Culture in the Arctic" studies the geographical distribution and dialectical differences of the Inuit language, examining its historical evolution and current status [40] - "High-Speed Trading: How Algorithms Transform Financial Markets" documents the rise of high-frequency trading and its implications for market efficiency and competition [42] Group 8 - "The Development of Translation Competence" focuses on the multidimensional construction of translation competence and emphasizes learner-centered teaching methods [44] - "A History of Greek Philosophy" provides a concise overview of ancient Greek philosophy, tracing the evolution of philosophical thought through key figures and schools [46] - "The Game of Cattle and Horses: How Silicon Valley Tames Engineers" reveals the hidden labor control mechanisms in tech companies, exploring how gamification affects engineers' work-life balance [48] Group 9 - "Weimar Culture: Outsiders in the Center" examines the cultural experiments of the Weimar Republic, highlighting the contributions of artists and intellectuals during a tumultuous period in German history [50] - "The Odes of John Keats" offers a detailed analysis of Keats' odes, situating them within the broader context of English poetry [52] - "Beyond Listening: Decoding Young Children's Voices in Early Education" critiques the practices of listening to young children in educational settings, proposing frameworks for better engagement [54] Group 10 - "On the Water's Edge: The Evolution of Life" explores macroevolution and the secrets of life through recent scientific discoveries and analyses [55] - "Living Like a Capybara: An Emotional Wellness Handbook for the Fragmented Age" provides practical methods for emotional health, emphasizing the importance of managing hostility for overall well-being [57] - "The Rainbow on the Plate: How Chemical Dyes Change Our Relationship with Food" narrates the history of synthetic dyes in food production, linking it to broader themes of safety and authenticity in the food industry [77]

Core Insights - Recent studies by the Chinese Academy of Sciences have revealed new findings about human evolution and the evolutionary pathways of early mammals, utilizing advanced technologies to analyze ancient fossils [1][2][7]. Group 1: Human Evolution - The research on the Yuncheng Man skull, dated to approximately 1 million years ago, has clarified the human evolutionary lineage, indicating that multiple human groups had already diverged by that time [2][4]. - The study reconstructed the skull and identified features that suggest it belongs to an early representative of the Dragon Man lineage rather than Homo erectus, challenging previous classifications [2][4]. - The findings propose that the divergence of Homo sapiens, Dragon Man, and Neanderthals occurred earlier than previously recorded, thus reshaping the timeline of human evolution [2][4]. Group 2: Early Mammal Evolution - The research on the Sichuan Zizhong multi-toothed beast fossil, dating back 160 to 168 million years, has uncovered a unique jaw joint structure that indicates a significant evolutionary transition from reptiles to mammals [5][6]. - The study suggests that the multi-toothed beast's jaw joint adaptation was crucial for its burrowing lifestyle, providing insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of jaw structures in early mammals [5][6]. - Another fossil, the Lufeng quadruped from the early Jurassic period, has been identified as a transitional form in jaw joint evolution, filling gaps in the understanding of vertebrate evolution [6]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Advanced technologies such as high-precision CT scanning and 3D reconstruction have been employed to analyze and reconstruct ancient fossils, enhancing the understanding of their morphology and evolutionary significance [7]. - The application of new statistical methods and high-resolution imaging has allowed researchers to validate their findings and improve the accuracy of fossil reconstructions [7]. - The ongoing use of innovative techniques is expected to continue revealing insights from previously dormant fossils, further enriching the understanding of life's history [8].