Scientists find fossils that are millions of years old in Panama Canal

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Sat Apr 27, 2013, 12:58 PM - Edit history (1)

Scientists find fossils that are millions of years old in Panama Canal
By The Associated Press April 26, 2013

PANAMA CITY - U.S. and Panamanian paleontologists have discovered fossils of several species that lived in Panama more than 20 million years ago.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute paleontologist Bruce MacFadden says in a statement the discovery will help to better understand the biodiversity and geological formation of the Central American isthmus during the Tertiary Period.

The Smithsonian and the Panama Canal Authority began a joint effort five years ago to look for and dig up samples of fossils, rocks, shells and driftwood in the area of the Panama Canal.

Among other things, the scientists found pieces of teeth that belonged to an extinct giant shark and jaw fragments of a small horse that lived in the same area millions of years ago.

http://www.canada.com/technology/Scientists+find+fossils+that+millions+years+Panama+Canal/8302711/story.html

More images:
http://phys.org/news/2013-04-scientists-ancient-fossils-panama.html

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