Amateur French paleontologists uncover 470 million-year-old fossils offering fresh insights into polar ecosystems

A site containing nearly 400 incredibly well-preserved fossils from 470 million years ago was discovered in southern France by the amateur paleontologists.

The site is nestled in the Montagne Noire mountains in the French department of Hérault (within the Occitanie region). It is counted among the richest sites for the quantity and diversity of fossil collections from the Lower Ordivician epoch, approximately 470 million years ago.

Up till now, over 400 wonderfully preserved animal fossils have been documented there. The remains of shells are apparent, as well as seldom seen traces of soft tissues in fossils, such as digestive systems or prehistoric animal skin. After initial analysis of the findings, scientists have noted the presence of arthropods - typified by creatures such as millipedes and prawns, and coelenterates (a group inclusive of jellyfish and corals). They also discovered numerous algae and sponges.

Interestingly, the organisms identified at the site once inhabited regions near the South Pole. Their analysis offers insight into the more common polar ecosystems during the Ordivician epoch, as stressed by scientists from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS (France), and other centres, who examined and described the site in "Nature Ecology & Evolution".

The significant species diversity at the examined site suggests that this area served as a retreat for species moving south to escape the elevated temperatures prevalent at the time.

- During this period of intense global warming, lifeforms sought sanctuary in havens situated at large geographical latitudes, fleeing from the extreme temperatures surrounding the equator - noted Farid Saleh from the University of Lausanne.

This site was uncovered by paleontology enthusiasts - amateurs, Eric Monceret and Sylvie Monceret-Goujon.

- We've been on the hunt for fossils since we each turned 20 - says Eric Monceret. - When we made this astounding discovery and its significance dawned on us, our emotions evolved from surprise to elation - adds Sylvie Monceret-Goujon.

Scientists intend a methodical extraction of the fossils for thorough analysis. They aim to comprehend the inner and external structure of these creatures, establish the correlation of these organism groups, and understand their lifestyle.