2024-02-10 23:16:36
Amateur paleontologists have discovered in southern France one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits, dating from the Lower Ordovician period about 470 million years ago, Euricalert reported.
The deposit, which according to experts is of world importance, is located in the region of the Montan Noir mountain. It was analyzed by scientists from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, in collaboration with colleagues from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and international teams. According to them, the discovery provides unprecedented information about the ecosystems of that period, BTA reported.
More than 400 fossils of various representatives of prehistoric fauna have been found at the site, many of which are well preserved. In addition to the shell components, the finds contain the extremely rare soft elements of ancient molluscs such as digestive systems and cuticles, which are also remarkably well preserved.
The analyzes of the new so-called biota (a collection of organisms in a particular area) from Cabrier reveal the presence of arthropods such as millipedes and shrimps, molluscs such as jellyfish and corals, as well as a large number of fungi and algae.
The high biodiversity of the site suggests that it served as a refuge for species that sought refuge from the high temperatures prevailing at the time in the north of present-day France, the scientists noted.
“During this time of intense global warming, animals did indeed live in high-latitude refugia, avoiding extreme equatorial temperatures,” said lead study author Farid Saleh of the University of Lausanne.
“The distant past gives us insight into our possible near future,” adds Jonathan Antcliffe of the research team.
The experts added that the discovery in Montagne Noire marks the beginning of a long-term research program involving large-scale excavations and in-depth analysis of the fossils. With the help of innovative methods and techniques, the aim is to reveal the internal and external anatomy of organisms, as well as to draw conclusions about their phylogenetic relationships and way of life.
The study was published in the scientific journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.