[ad_1]
According to a new study, a "treasure" of new species has been discovered at a recently discovered fossil site in southern China in southern China.
More than half of the remains found at the Qingjiang site in Hubei Province were previously unknown to scientists.
They include a range of prehistoric animals, corals and sponges with tiny jellyfish and invertebrates called mud dragons. They have been so well preserved that their muscles, bowels, eyes, mouth and other openings are still visible.
We will tell you what is true. You can form your own view.
Of
15p
$ 0.18
$ 0.18
$ 0.27
one day, more exclusive, analyzes and supplements.
The researchers said the discovery, which will help fill the gaps in the fossil record, was of similar importance to the Burgess Shale site in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils.
In a study published in Science, they said the site revealed a "treasure chest of Cambrian secrets" that should "help elucidate biological innovation and diversification during this period".
Both sites contain fossils of the so-called Cambrian Explosion, considered by many experts as the most important evolutionary event in history, when an extremely diverse population of aquatic animals exploded about 542 million years ago. .
Scientists at the Qingjiang site believe that their discovery may eclipse other similar sites because of the greater density of species diversity.
"[This is an] Xingliang Zhang, study author and geology professor at Northwest University, told CNN: "Some are weird, others look like what we have today.
Support freethinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds
The fossils were found in rocks on the bank of the Danshui River after being buried in an old submarine mud flow. The 4,351 fossils discovered so far represent 101 different species – including 53 new ones.
Ms. Zhang and her co-author, Dongjing Fu, discovered the site in 2007, while they were looking for fossils in the rocks. They and other scientists are already in discussion with the local government to protect the site.
We will tell you what is true. You can form your own view.
AT L & # 39; Independentno one tells us what to write. This is why, in the era of political lies and biases in Brexit, more and more readers are turning to an independent source. Subscribe from just 15 pence a day for additional exclusives, events and eBooks – all without advertising.
Subscribe now
[ad_2]
Source link