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New fossil site of worldwide importance uncovered in southern France
(geologyscience.konfidenciale.com)
Paleontologists have discovered a rich and diverse locality of Lower Ordovician fossils in Montagne-Noire, France.
The site contains more than 400 fossils, including rare soft tissues such as the digestive system and cuticle.
The Cabrières Biota study was carried out by scientists from UNIL, CNRS and international groups, and the results were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.
The Ordovician biota includes arthropods, cnidarians, algae and sponges, suggesting that the area was a refuge for species escaping high temperatures.
Intense global warming is causing animals to migrate to high latitude refuges to escape extreme equatorial temperatures.
Discoverers Eric Monser and Sylvie Monser-Goujon are filled with enthusiasm after the discovery.
A long-term research program has been launched, the purpose of which is to reveal the internal and external anatomy of organisms, as well as to establish their phylogenetic relationships and lifestyle.