Overview
A research team from the School of Zoology and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History has identified and described a previously unknown insect species, designated Cretodorus noonoo. The identification was based on a fossilized specimen preserved in amber, dating back approximately 99 million years to the dinosaur age.
Research Context
The discovery relates to the scientific categorization of life forms from ancient geological periods. The fossilized insect was trapped in tree resin, which subsequently hardened into amber, effectively preserving the specimen over millions of years.
Approach
The researchers utilized the fossil preserved within the amber to identify and describe the insect. This involved examining the physical characteristics of the specimen to determine its classification as a new species.
Findings
The research led to the identification of a new insect species named Cretodorus noonoo, also referred to as Noo-Noo. The specimen's entrapment in tree resin occurred approximately 99 million years ago, indicating its presence during the dinosaur age. The subsequent hardening of the resin into amber facilitated the preservation of the insect.
Why This Matters
This discovery adds to the known biodiversity of the dinosaur age through the identification of a previously unrecorded insect species. The preservation mechanism of amber allows for detailed study of ancient organisms.