Scientists Uncover 112-Million-Year-Old Amber Time Capsule Holding Fossilized Insects from Dinosaur Era

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 unearthed 112-million-year-old amber deposits containing perfectly preserved insects and even a spider's web. The team collected 60 promising pieces of amber from the Genoveva quarry, which is believed to have originated from coniferous trees that dominated the region during the Cretaceous period. The amber, formed from tree resin, has trapped bio-inclusions – remains of ancient life forms – including insects, spiders, and possibly even other small organisms. "We were thrilled to see the incredible preservation of these tiny creatures," said Dr. Delclòs in an interview. "The fact that we can study them in such detail is a testament to the power of amber as a natural preservative." The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of ancient ecosystems and the evolution of life on Earth. The insects trapped in the amber provide a unique window into the past, allowing scientists to study their morphology, behavior, and interactions with their environment. According to Dr. Mónica Solórzano-Kraemer, a colleague of Dr. Delclòs, "The preservation of these tiny creatures is not only fascinating but also provides valuable insights into the biology and ecology of ancient species." The team's findings are particularly significant given the rarity of amber deposits from this time period. Most amber found in quarries comes from below-ground sources, but the Genoveva quarry yielded a small amount of above-ground amber, which is more likely to contain bio-inclusions. The discovery has sparked interest among paleontologists and biologists worldwide, who are eager to study the preserved insects and learn more about their ancient habitats. As Dr. Delclòs noted, "This find opens up new avenues for research into the evolution of life on Earth and highlights the importance of continued exploration and excavation in the Amazon rainforest." The team's next steps will involve further analysis of the amber deposits and the bio-inclusions they contain. They plan to use advanced imaging techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to study the insects' morphology and behavior in greater detail. As scientists continue to unravel the secrets of the ancient world, this discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage and supporting scientific research into the mysteries of the past. *Reporting by Newscientist.*