In Japan, they discovered a relict forest age of several million years.

The discovery of a well-preserved ancient forest with fossilized wood and leaves is remarkable. The fact that these relics are estimated to be between 5 and 10.4 million years old, dating back to the late Miocene period, makes it a significant find for paleontology and our understanding of ancient ecosystems.

Identifying the Wataria mariposa tree as the primary species among the fossilized stumps and Byttneriophyllum tiliifolium among the petrified leaves provides valuable insight into the flora that once thrived in Japan during that era. The information gathered from the study has allowed researchers at the University of Hokkaido to reconstruct realistic images of these ancient trees, offering a glimpse into the past and what the landscape might have looked like millions of years ago.

The preservation of both the wood and leaves in one location provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study the ancient ecosystem in greater detail. It is common in paleontology to find fragments belonging to the same plant species being given different scientific names. Still, in this case, the researchers successfully attributed the stumps and leaves to the same species, leading to a significant scientific achievement.

Overall, this discovery provides valuable information about the biodiversity and environmental conditions of the region during the late Miocene period. The findings will undoubtedly contribute to understanding ancient plant life and ecosystems in Japan and Eurasia, providing essential insights into the Earth’s history.