Stunning fossil trapped in amber reveals previously unknown species that lived during the time of dinosaurs – CNN
A tiny, perfectly preserved fossil encased in amber has revealed a previously unknown species of ancient insect that lived alongside dinosaurs, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.
The discovery, made by an international team of researchers, is the first of its kind and sheds light on the incredible diversity of life that existed during the Mesozoic Era, which spanned from about 252 million to 66 million years ago.
The fossil, which is about the size of a grain of rice, contains the remains of a winged insect known as a “protopterid” – a type of insect that lived about 100 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous Period. The insect’s well-preserved body, including its antennae, legs, and wings, reveals the creature’s extraordinary level of detail.
“The most remarkable thing about this discovery is how complete the fossil is,” said Dr. Ricardo Pérez-de la Fuente, lead author of the study and a paleontologist at the University of Bristol. “It is like finding a photograph of a creature that lived millions of years ago. We are able to see every tiny detail of its body, down to its scales and hairs.”
The research team, which includes scientists from the University of Bristol, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, believe that the insect was likely a predator, using its long, thin legs and grasping mouthparts to catch its prey. It was probably very similar to modern-day flies and gnats, flitting around the ancient forests.
“The fossil tells us a great deal about the evolution of these insects, and how they were able to survive in such a harsh environment,” said Dr. Pérez-de la Fuente. “It also shows us how similar life was back then to life today.”
Amber, a fossilized tree resin, is known to preserve fragile specimens in exceptional detail. It is believed to have trapped the unfortunate insect and then quickly hardened. This “amber trap” encapsulated the animal, essentially taking a “snapshot” of life during the age of dinosaurs.
This incredible find, while providing detailed information about an ancient insect, further reinforces the power of studying amber for insights into ancient life forms.
