Dinosaur Egg Dated Directly
16 hours ago
- #fossil-dating
- #dinosaur
- #paleontology
- Scientists in China have directly dated a fossilized dinosaur egg for the first time, estimating it to be around 85.9 million years old.
- The new method involves using lasers to vaporize minerals on the eggshell, analyzing uranium and lead isotopes to determine age.
- Previous dating methods relied on indirect techniques, such as dating surrounding volcanic ash or rock layers, which can be inaccurate.
- The study's findings could have significant implications for paleontology by reducing uncertainties in fossil age estimations.
- Some experts caution that processes like diagenesis could alter the eggshell's composition, potentially affecting age accuracy.
- The researchers plan further studies to validate their results, noting the eggshells were well-preserved with minimal post-burial alteration.