‘Dickinsonia fossil’ found in Bhimbetka

Fossils of an extinct species of animal that scientists reported in a sensational discovery from India’s Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in 2021 have been found to be belied hopes.

23 Feb 2023

Context: 

Fossils of an extinct species of animal that scientists reported in a sensational discovery from India’s Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in 2021 have been found to be belied hopes.

About the news: 

  • In March 2020, Dr. Retallack, a Professor of palaeontology at the University of Oregon, and some other researchers spotted by chance what looked like a 44cm wide fossil of Dickinsonia, an animal that lived at least 538 million years ago, in a cave. 
  • Dickinsonia fossils in other parts of the world have indicated it was circular or oval in shape, somewhat flat, with rib­like structures radiating from a central column
  • They published a paper describing their findings in February 2021.
  • Joseph Meert- Professor of geology at the University of Florida, visited the same Bhimbetka cave in December 2022, he found some discrepancies with the other fossil finds.
  • He concluded that the impression resulted from decay of a modern beehive which was attached to a fractured rock surface.
  • Dr Retallack has acknowledged that they are planning to correct their paper.
  • While the fossils were believed to be legitimate, they suggested that the youngest Upper Vindhyan sediments were 540 million years old; the rock shelters are located in this area. 
  • But now that the finding has been overturned, the age of the Upper Vindhyan remains contested. 

News Source: The Hindu 

 

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

by month

SRIJAN MAINS

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.