Rich brachiopod fossils dating back 470 million years to the Ordovician period were discovered in Zigui county, Central China's Hubei Province. Photo: Screenshot from the website

Rich brachiopod fossils dating back 470 million years to the Ordovician period were discovered in Zigui county, Central China's Hubei Province. Experts suggest these fossils provide evidence for researches into the ancient geography and paleobiological evolution of the Three Gorges region, China News Service reported on Tuesday.

Brachiopods, marine invertebrates with shells composed of two valves—one larger and one smaller, are widespread globally and serve as key fossils for stratigraphic analyses and comparison. The fossils were found scattered on the hillside of Liushugou in Chuanxindian village, covering an area of 100 square meters. These fossils are remarkably well-preserved, with a variety of shapes and some displaying clear surface patterns on their shells.

Professor Jiang Haishui from the School of Earth Sciences at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) spoke highly of this discovery for paleontology, particularly in the popularization of fossil knowledge. Zigui county, located in the mountainous region of western Hubei, is known for its complex geological structure and well-developed stratigraphy, which together harbor abundant paleontological resources.

This finding contributes significantly to understanding the ancient ecosystems of the region and provides a new perspective on the biodiversity of the Ordovician period in the Three Gorges region, Jiang said.

Global Times