Story perspectives

Rare 112 Million-Year-Old Amber Reveals Ancient Ecosystem in Ecuador

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists found a significant amber deposit in Ecuador, containing well-preserved insect fossils from 112 million years ago, the first of its kind in South America.
The amber, located in the Genoveva quarry, includes midges, wasps, and beetles, shedding light on ancient ecosystems.
This discovery highlights a humid, resinous forest ecosystem from the Cretaceous period, distinct from today's Amazon rainforest.
Advanced techniques were used to analyze the amber, improving understanding of regional biodiversity.
The findings suggest flowering plants were diversifying, making up about 37% of the flora at that time.

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Story summary

Scientists found a significant amber deposit in Ecuador, containing well-preserved insect fossils from 112 million years ago, the first of its kind in South America.
The amber, located in the Genoveva quarry, includes midges, wasps, and beetles, shedding light on ancient ecosystems.
This discovery highlights a humid, resinous forest ecosystem from the Cretaceous period, distinct from today's Amazon rainforest.
Advanced techniques were used to analyze the amber, improving understanding of regional biodiversity.
The findings suggest flowering plants were diversifying, making up about 37% of the flora at that time.