Two amateur paleontologists have discovered nearly 400 exceptionally well-preserved fossils in southern France, dating back 470 million years. Scientists from the University of Lausanne, working with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and an international team, analyzed the new fossil site of world significance. The discovery provides unprecedented information about polar ecosystems during the Ordovician period.
Paleontology enthusiasts have discovered one of the world's richest and most diverse fossil sites from the Lower Ordovician Period (approximately 470 million years ago). This fossil group is located in the Montagne Noire in the Hérault department of France. More than 400 fossils were unearthed and are characterized by a particularly well-preserved fauna. In addition to chitin components, it also contains extremely rare soft components such as digestive system and cuticle, and is in very good preservation condition. Furthermore, this biota was once very close to Antarctica, revealing the composition of the southernmost Ordovician ecosystem.
Scientists from the University of Lausanne's Institute of Geosciences and the Environment (UNIL), in collaboration with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and an international team, have conducted the first analysis of the deposit, known as the Cabrières Biota. The research results were published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.
Analysis of the new biota revealed the presence of arthropods (including millipedes and shrimps) and cnidarians (including jellyfish and corals), as well as abundant algae and sponges. The site's high biodiversity suggests the area served as a refuge for species fleeing the northern temperatures of the time.
Farid Saleh, a researcher at the University of Lausanne and lead author of the study, noted: "During this period of intense global warming, animals are indeed living in high-latitude refuges to escape extreme equatorial temperatures."
Jonathan Antcliffe, a researcher at the University of Lausanne and co-author of the study, added: "The distant past gives us a glimpse into the possible near future."
Amateurs Eric Monserre and Sylvie Monserre Goujon, who discovered the site, added enthusiastically: We have been prospecting and looking for fossils since we were 20 years old. As we discovered this amazing group of organisms, we understood the magnitude of the discovery and went from surprise to excitement.
The first publication marks the beginning of a long-term research program involving large-scale excavations and in-depth fossil analysis. Utilizing innovative methods and techniques, the aim is to reveal the internal and external anatomy of organisms and to infer their phylogenetic relationships and life patterns.
Compiled source: ScitechDaily