2-Billion-Year-Old Algae Fossil Discovered in Henan

2-Billion-Year-Old Algae Fossil Discovered in Henan

河南发现距今20亿年蓝藻化石

Song Haibo, a resident in Anyang city of Henan province, donated 5 pieces/sets of paleontological fossils discovered by him in the city's western mountainous area to the Museum of Anyang, local authorities said on August 31. They are identified as the fossils of ginkgo leaves, algae, ferns, corals and biota which even date back to the Proterozoic Era and the Mesozoic Era. Fossil of algae has a history of 2 billion years and that of ginkgo leaves 60 million years.

8月31日记者获悉，安阳市热心市民宋海波向安阳博物馆捐赠了其在安阳西部山区发现的5件/套古生物化石标本。根据专业人士初步鉴定认为，这批化石分属于元古代、白垩纪等，种类包括了银杏叶化石、蓝藻化石、蕨类植物化石、珊瑚及生物群化石等，其中，最早的蓝藻化石距今20亿年，银杏叶化石距今6000万年。

Fossil donated by Song Haibo. [Photo provided to Henan Daily]

Preliminary identification suggests that these fossils are mainly sedimentary rocks with the remains of leaf-like species, algae and ferns. They are important for the study of geology, geomorphology and paleontological evolution in Anyang, and conform to the collection requirements and needs of the museum.

安阳博物馆负责人说，根据鉴定结果，初步认为这批化石标本以沉积岩为主，岩石内有类似叶状生物、藻类生物、蕨类生物的痕迹。该批化石标本对于研究安阳地区地质时代的地质地貌、古生物演变可能具有重要的科研价值，符合馆藏标准和需要。

Fossil donated by Song Haibo. [Photo provided to Henan Daily]

These fossils not only increase the collections of Anyang Museum, but also are physical evidence for the study of Anyang's geological and biological evolution. In the following days, Anyang Museum will work with relevant geological institutions to identify their age, nature, species and value, and hold public exhibition at a proper time.

这些自然标本的入藏，不仅丰富了安阳博物馆馆藏数量和种类，而且对于了解安阳地区地质演变与生物进化历史提供了重要物证。接下来，安阳博物馆将与有关地质机构联系，进一步确定这批化石标本的年代、性质、种类和价值，并适时向社会公众公开陈列展示。（中文来源/河南日报 翻译/赵汉青 海报/实习生王君艺 审校/李文竞）