Scientists have finally resolved the secret that the fossil feathers of the 30,000 -year -old vulture were preserved with such unprecedented levels of expansion.
Giffon Vulture (Gyps fullvus),, Which was initially exposed to the Koli Albani volcanic complex south -east in 1889, in the southeastern of Rome, found in incredibly good condition -it also had its delicate wing wings and marks.
Since the search, researchers have noticed that the bird was actually so well preserved. Now, in a new study published on Tuesday (March 18) Journal geologyResearchers suggest that this rare protection of such complex details can be caused by small silicon-rich crystals called Geolights that were formed as bird remains, an explosion was buried in ashes from a volcano.
This will first mark that soft tissues like wings have been found to be preserved in fossils, ever volcanic ash, scientists said.
“Fossils feathers are usually preserved in ancient mudcrocks placed in lakes or lagoon. The fossil vulture is preserved in ash deposits, which is extremely unusual.” Valentina RossiA peliobiologist at University College Cork in Ireland said in a statement.
He said, “When fossils analyze vultures, we found ourselves in unwanted areas. These wings are nothing as we usually see in other fossils,” he said.
Rare protection
it Fossil For the first time in 1889, a local landlord was found in the foothills of Mount Tuscolo, Italy. At that time the peliyntologist noted the rare protection of the wings in the volcanic rock. However, over the years, Most fossils were lostOnly one wing has wings and bird heads and necks remaining. In recent years, scientists have resumed fossils, which reveals complex details Vulture eyelids and skin.
In new studies, researchers used electron microscope and chemical trials to study fossil wings, showing that fossils were preserved in three dimensions. It is very unusual for wings, which usually leaves only two-dimensions Fossil carbon prints In rocks. Three-dimensional feathers have been found only in amber only before.
Researchers can see the description of feather structures as small as a micron (0.001 millimeters), and it turned out that the fossils of the winged fossils were made of ziolite, a mineral that is often associated with a volcanic environment.
“Zoolites are minerals rich in silicon and aluminum and are common in volcanic and hydrothermal geological settings,” Rossi said. “Geolites can form as primary minerals (with beautiful crystals) or in second place during natural changes of volcanic glass and ash.”
This discovery is the first time that the wings are preserved in this way, and with such a high level of expansion. Additionally, no other fossil Have ever been discovered Protected in Geolite.
The fact that these wings were preserved in the ziolite, it indicates that the ancient vulture was likely to be buried in a huge cloud of ash volcanic of the volcano, which was much colder than the pyrochlastic flow which was scorched. Pompi During the explosion of Mount Vesuvius.
“Fixed conservation of feather structures indicates that the vulture body was entangled in low temperature pyroquetics deposits,” Rossi said.
The possibility of this ash became crystallized in the ziolite After reacting with water During a few days, with small crystals of minerals gradually change the expansion of the remains of every cell and bird.
“Volcano deposited hot, rapidly growing pyroquestic currents that will destroy soft tissues,” study co-writer David urinoAn Associate Professor at Kaceroc Peliantology at Milan University said in a statement. “However, these geological settings are complex and may include low temperature deposits that can preserve soft tissues at the cellular level.”
Researchers hope that this unique discovery may pave the way for other fossils hidden in volcanic rocks.
“Fossil records constantly surprise us, it should be new fossil species, strange new body size, or in this case, new styles of fossil protection. Maria McAnamaraA professor of Peliantology said in a statement at University College Cork.
“Such discoveries wide the range of potential rock types where we can find fossils, even those who preserve delicate soft tissues.”
