99m-year-old lizard trapped in amber could give clue to 'lost ecosystem'

[malaise]

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/mar/06/99m-year-old-lizard-trapped-in-amber-could-give-clue-to-lost-ecosystem
<snip>
A fossilised lizard found in south-east Asia preserved in amber dates back 99m years, US scientists have determined, making it the oldest specimen of its kind and a “missing link” for reptile researchers.

The lizard is 75m years older than the previous record holder, according to researchers at the Florida museum of natural history, who announced the finding this week.
520m-year-old nervous system among oldest and most detailed ever found
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“It was incredibly exciting to see these animals for the first time,” Edward Stanley, a member of the research team, said on Saturday. “It was exciting and startling, actually, how well they were preserved.”

Scientists believe the chameleon-like creature was an infant when it was trapped in a gush of sticky resin while darting through a tropical forest in what is now Myanmar.

The creature’s entire body, including its eyes and colorful scales, was unusually well-preserved, Stanley said. The other reptiles trapped in the amber, including a gecko and an arctic lizard, were also largely intact.

[edhopper]

1. very cool

but I wonder if it's not a fossil but a true specimen. Fossils are remains where the bones and tissues are replaced by minerals. In amber, I think the actual animal is still there.

[eppur_se_muova]

2. It's not mineralized/petrified, but it's still a fossil.

The term "fossil" is very broad -- it has to be, to include things like eggshells and footprints. The word "fossil" means "dug up", so it was never a very restricted term.

[edhopper]

3. thanks.

Last edited Sun Mar 6, 2016, 10:41 AM - Edit history (1)

I was mixing fossil with fossilized.

[kwolf68]

4. Fossil

is merely evidence of previous life. Preserved dung is considered a fossil and as you say footprints are as well, since it's evidence of previous life.

[malaise]

5. Thanks for that

[Baclava]

8. "The creature’s entire body, including its eyes and colorful scales, was unusually well-preserved"

way cool

[malaise]

10. For real

It's awesome

[daleo]

13. Poor little guy

At least his ancestors have closure now.

[dembotoz]

7. cue jurassic park references...

[edhopper]

9. definately

grab some of that DNA and clone that little sucker.

[muriel_volestrangler]

11. I wonder what Reuters means by "an arctic lizard"

There's no mention of that in the full paper:

http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/2/3/e1501080.full

and it seems strange to have an 'arctic lizard' with those from a tropical forest.

[malaise]

12. Great question