“We have such a variety of fossils that there is almost something for everyone preserved right here.”
These ancient remains are the reason why paleontologists from around the world come to study the discoveries. Chief Curator John Harris says even saber tooth cats and mammoths could save themselves from the thick, sticky material that caught them in a death-hold.
“They got stuck in asphalt, stuck likes flies on fly paper. If they were lucky, they succumbed to hunger and thirst after about a week. If they were unlucky, they were torn apart by wandering predators and scavengers.”
In the past, paleontologists centered their work on large mammals. But the remains of smaller creatures such as snails or insects are now getting more attention. These microfossils give scientists a better picture of the ancient ecosystem. They also tell the scientists how climate change affects organisms.
The large mammals are extinct, gone forever. The “young” creatures that developed from them do not necessarily live in the same area as their ancestors.
“Well, if we have some idea of how life changes when we have changes in climate, then we can take steps when we are actually experiencing those same climatic changes ourselves.”
Scientists say the plants and animals preserved in tar can tell them how global warming in the past affected ancient organisms. The experts say the creatures and plants can help show which species may face the most danger as the modern Earth gets warmer.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25