Rare 460 million-year-old fossil unearthed in Central Australia
A RARE 460 million-year-old fossil has been unearthed in Central Australia exciting the scientific world
Northern Territory
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A 460 MILLION-YEAR-OLD fossil has been unearthed in Central Australia.
The rare arthropod fossil is embedded in a sandstone slab dating back to the Ordovician Period.
It was discovered by citizen scientist Patrick Nelson in the Amadeus Basin.
Adam Yates, from Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, said the discovery was a first for the Territory.
“This new discovery is the first time any sort of arthropod other than a trilobite has ever been discovered from the Ordovician Period in the NT,” he said.
“To find a fully articulated body makes the discovery all the more significant.”
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Dr Yates said there were likely more fossils in the region that could hold clues to the evolution of other major animal groups.
Originally published as Rare 460 million-year-old fossil unearthed in Central Australia