A large number of paleontological fossils were discovered at a highway under construction project in China
A large number of paleontological fossils were recently discovered at the construction site of a highway under construction in Yunnan, China. In order to protect the fossils, the local government urgently suspended construction operations in the fossil area and cooperated with relevant departments to carry out fossil collection and research.
was discovered at the construction site of the Puda service area of the Lu (Liang) Xun (Dian) Expressway in Malong District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province. "No construction" signs have been erected here and a fenced area has been set up. Relevant staff are working hard to collect and identify fossils.
The construction site of the Puda service area of Luxun Expressway under construction, taken on December 20, 2023 (drone photo). Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Chen Xinbo
Leng Tao, project manager of Luxun Expressway TJ2 of China Railway 11th Bureau Group, the contractor, said that construction was suspended in the area where the fossil was found at the end of November, and temporary protection facilities were set up. "Although it will have a certain impact on the progress of the construction, it is very meaningful to think about protecting our paleontological fossils."
According to relevant experts, there are currently found glabrata, Isospermia, Narozoa, and High Muscles , soft tongue snails and other fossils, it is preliminarily inferred that the geological age of this formation is the Malosaurus fauna, which is slightly later than the Cambrian Chengjiang fauna, about 500 million years ago.
It is not unusual to find paleontological fossils on construction sites in Malong District. The Malaurus fauna, named after this place in 1992, was a sensation. Over the years, it has attracted the attention of many scientific researchers and fossil enthusiasts.
Liu Yu, a researcher at the Institute of Paleontology of Yunnan University, said that after preliminary collection, it was found that these fossils have certain scientific research value. The geological age is similar to the Cambrian Chengjiang biota. Currently, arthropods such as trilobites and narozoa are mainly found. Most of the fossils preserve relatively well-preserved exoskeletons of the animal's body.
After preliminary verification by many experts, this batch of fossils has both scientific research value and ornamental value, especially the animal groups are relatively representative. As the collection work deepens, it is not ruled out that there will be some new discoveries.
Topic selection: Xu Changying
Editor: Xu Changying
