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First Discovery of Amber in Antarctica Reveals Ancient Forest EcosystemScientists have made a remarkable first discovery of amber fragments in Antarctica, shedding light on a once-lush ecosystem that thrived in what is now a frozen continent. Unearthed from a 946-meter-deep sediment core taken from Pine Island Bay in the Amundsen Sea, this “Pine Island amber” dates back roughly 90 million years to the mid-Cretaceous period. At that time, Antarctica was covered by dense, temperate forests, akin to those found today in milder climates.Detailed analysis of the amber suggests it came from resin-producing trees that developed defenses against environmental threats, such as parasites and forest fires. This high-quality amber has preserved solid, transparent particles, indicating it remained close to the surface without being affected by intense heat or pressure. The discovery highlights how trees adapted to protect themselves, revealing a dynamic ecosystem in ancient Antarctica.Researchers hope to uncover microscopic fossils within the amber, such as ancient insects or microorganisms, which could further illuminate the biodiversity of this prehistoric environment. This breakthrough provides a window into Earth’s distant past, offering clues about how ecosystems have evolved and adapted over millions of years and what this might mean for our planet’s future in the face of climate change.📸: Johann P. KlagesSource: Johann P. Klages et al., “First discovery of Antarctic amber,” Antarctic Science, 2024.