In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed the most complete dragonfly fossil to date, dating back approximately 165 million years, in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
The fossil, found in the region’s rich sedimentary deposits, provides unprecedented insights into the evolution of dragonflies during the Middle Jurassic period. The specimen’s remarkable preservation offers scientists a rare glimpse into the anatomy and ecology of ancient dragonflies, which have long fascinated both researchers and enthusiasts due to their prehistoric origins and minimal evolutionary changes over millions of years.
“This discovery is significant because it fills a gap in our understanding of dragonfly evolution,” said Dr. Li Wei, a paleontologist with the Inner Mongolia Museum of Natural History. “The exceptional condition of the fossil allows us to study features that are usually lost in other specimens.”
The dragonfly’s wingspan, intricate wing venation patterns, and body structures have been preserved in fine detail, providing valuable data for comparative studies with both extinct and extant species. This could lead to new understandings of how modern dragonflies adapted over time and how environmental factors influenced their development.
Inner Mongolia’s diverse geological formations have been a treasure trove for paleontologists, yielding numerous fossils that shed light on prehistoric life. This latest find underscores the region’s importance as a window into Earth’s distant past.
The discovery also holds potential for boosting tourism in the area, attracting visitors interested in paleontology and natural history. Local authorities are considering creating exhibition spaces to showcase the fossil and educate the public about the region’s ancient heritage.
As researchers continue to study the fossil, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the new knowledge it may unveil about the Earth’s biological history, particularly in understanding the resilience and longevity of dragonfly species across geological epochs.
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Complete dragonfly fossil dating back 165m years discovered in N China
cgtn.com
