Scientists Uncover 112-Million-Year-Old Amber Time Capsule in Amazon Rainforest

Stunning Amber Deposits Hold Insects from the Time of Dinosaurs A team of scientists led by Xavier Delclòs at the University of Barcelona, Spain, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the Amazon rainforest. While excavating a quarry in eastern Ecuador, they found 112-million-year-old amber deposits containing perfectly preserved insects and even a spider's web. The team collected 60 promising samples from the Genoveva quarry, which are believed to have originated from coniferous trees that covered the region when modern-day Ecuador was part of the Gondwana supercontinent. According to Dr. Delclòs, "These amber deposits provide an unparalleled window into the past, allowing us to study the evolution of life on Earth." The amber, which is thought to have formed from tree resin, contains bio-inclusions – preserved remains of insects and other organisms that got stuck in the resin before it turned to amber. While most of the amber found at the quarry comes from underground sources, the team's preliminary dig uncovered a significant amount of above-ground amber containing insect fossils. "This discovery is not only fascinating but also has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's history," said Dr. Mónica Solórzano-Kraemer, a colleague of Dr. Delclòs. "The preservation of insects and other organisms in amber allows us to study their evolution, behavior, and interactions with their environment." The discovery is particularly notable because it provides insights into the ecosystem of the time. The insects trapped in the amber include non-biting midges, which are still present today but were much more diverse during the Cretaceous period. Background and Context Amber deposits have been found on every continent, with the majority coming from above-ground tree parts. However, those from underground sources are less common and often contain fewer bio-inclusions. The Genoveva quarry is a significant find because it contains both types of amber, offering scientists a unique opportunity to study the evolution of life on Earth. Additional Perspectives The discovery has sparked interest among paleontologists, ecologists, and geologists. Dr. Solórzano-Kraemer noted that "This finding highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems, as they hold secrets about our planet's history." Current Status and Next Developments The team is currently analyzing the amber samples using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. They plan to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed journal and continue excavating the quarry to uncover more secrets from the past. As Dr. Delclòs emphasized, "This discovery is just the beginning of an exciting journey into the history of life on Earth. We look forward to unraveling the mysteries hidden within these ancient amber deposits." *Reporting by Newscientist.*