An extraordinary fossil deposit was found

An extremely rare find. After a long period of work, some amateurs who are passionate about paleontology have uncovered a fossil deposit. “exceptionally preserved”, the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) reported on Friday, February 9. The initial research work – carried out by an international team – was published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution .

Located near Pezenas (a town west of Montpellier), the Cabrieres site testifies to “At that time the closest atmosphere to the South Pole was observed”, Research Center Report. It is above all deposits “The richest and most diverse in the world. For the Ordovician period (approximately – 485.4 to – 443.4 million years ago, Editor’s note). And for good reason: it contains more than 400 fossils dating back 470 million years.

“Soft-bodied” organisms

This large-scale discovery is explained by the remarkable preservation of the deposit, which will allow its deep study.“soft-bodied organisms” such as algae and sponges. The Scientific Journal reports that several samples have been studied at special laboratories in Lyon, Brest or Lausanne. Science and the Future .

These findings will allow us to better understand “Lead Role” Of these organisms in the ecosystem of that time, CNRS researchers explain. And this biodiversity already makes it possible to confirm the hypothesis “The migration of species to the Southern Hemisphere as a refuge zone to escape the excessively high temperatures of the tropical zone at that time”, researchers insist. Note that with plate tectonics, the continents were not positioned and aligned as they are today.

However, years of additional research will be required to fully exploit these fossils. Large-scale excavations and “In-Depth Analysis of Fossils Using New Imaging Techniques”. Given this way. They will allow “To describe in detail their external and internal anatomy, their relationships and their way of life”.