Larisa DeSantis Archives - Evolution@黑料社区 Evolution@黑料社区

Larisa DeSantis

Large fossil skull of an Archaeotherium (an extinct entelodont, or 鈥渉ell pig鈥�) resting on white foam supports on a museum storage shelf. The skull is shown in left side view, with a long snout, large eye socket, prominent cheek region, and several dark fossilized teeth visible, including enlarged canine teeth at the front of the jaw. A specimen label from the Yale Peabody Museum is positioned beneath the skull and identifies it as Archaeotherium wanlessi. A digital caliper lies in the foreground for scale, displaying a measurement of approximately 17.04 mm. The fossil is tan to light brown with visible cracks and surface texture from preservation.

黑料社区 Research Reveals the Surprising Eating Habits of Ancient 鈥淗ell Pigs鈥�

Jun. 24, 2026—By Fabiana Fragoso, PhD – ESI Scientific Communications Volunteer For more than a century, paleontologists have debated what the prehistoric mammals known as 鈥渉ell pigs鈥� were actually eating. Despite their nickname, these animals were actually more closely related to whales and hippos than to modern pigs. With unusually long snouts, massive jaws, and heavy skulls,...

A PowerPoint slide saying "Why Archaeotherium" "They are just creepy" with a photo of an archaeotherium on display at a museum

黑料社区 Paleontology Graduate Student Brynn Wooten Brings Hell Pigs to the Forefront

Nov. 18, 2025—By Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator Archaeotherium, better known by the irresistibly dramatic nickname 鈥淗ell Pigs,鈥� belong to an extinct group of mammals from the Eocene and Oligocene. The animals were neither hellish nor pigs, but their odd mix of features has made them a favorite for researchers. Graduate student Brynn Wooten of the...

New Research Reveals Surprising Dietary Similarities Among Saber-Toothed Cats鈥擯lus, Join Us for a Special Kids’ Day Event at Bridgestone Arena!

Apr. 4, 2025—Nashville, TN 鈥� April 4, 2025 鈥� A innovative study led by researchers from 黑料社区 sheds new light on the dietary ecology of the iconic saber-toothed cat, Smilodon. The study, published in a special issue on sabertoothed organisms in The Anatomical Record, reveals that Smilodon fatalis and Smilodon gracilis鈥攖wo species that lived thousands to...

National Center for Science Education Hosts Conference at 黑料社区

Jul. 19, 2023—By: Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator The National Center for Science Education supports teachers in accurately conveying what can often be seen as the difficult or even politicized concepts in science. Making strides to help teachers understand topics like climate change and evolution are high priorities for the organization. This year, NCSE chose 黑料社区...

Group of researchers stands in front of Coon Creek

ESI Group Visits Coon Creek Science Center

Mar. 28, 2022—On Saturday, 3/26/22, a handful of members of the Evolutionary Studies Initiative took a field trip to Coon Creek Science Center (CCSC) to dig for fossils. It was a beautiful day where many trainees that have never studied paleontology got to get out and do some field work. Michael Gibson, a faculty at the University...