A 30,000-year-old vulture fossil unearthed in Central Italy has shed new light on the secrets of how volcanic rock can preserve microscopic details in feathers. The fossil, discovered near Rome in 1889, was remarkable for its three-dimensional preservation and intricate features such as eyelids and wing feathers.
Recent research has revealed that the feathers of this prehistoric bird were preserved in a mineral called zeolite, a phenomenon never before documented in fossils. Zeolites, rich in silicon and aluminium, are typically associated with volcanic and hydrothermal environments. In this case, they formed as the volcanic ash altered over time, locking the delicate structures of the feathers in place.
The discovery was made possible by advanced electron microscopes and chemical analysis, which determined that the feathers had been preserved at the nanoscale by zeolites. This finding suggests that volcanic rocks could be hiding more ancient treasures than we ever imagined, and should be the focus of new paleontological research.
According to lead author Dr Valentina Rossi from the University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, fossil feathers are usually preserved in ancient mudrocks laid down in lakes or lagoons. However, this vulture fossil was preserved in ash deposits, which is extremely unusual. The team’s findings indicate that volcanic rock can preserve microscopic details in feathers, broadening our understanding of the potential range of rock types where fossils can be found.
This discovery may seem surprising, but it highlights the complex and often unexpected nature of geological settings, which can include low-temperature deposits that can preserve soft tissues at the cellular level. As Professor Dawid A. lurino from the University of Milan noted, “We used to think that volcanic deposits are associated with hot, fast-moving pyroclastic currents that will destroy soft tissues.” However, this vulture fossil shows that even in these conditions, delicate structures like feathers can be preserved.
The discovery also underscores the importance of continued research into the paleontological record. As Professor Maria McNamara from UCC noted, “the fossil record is continually surprising us… Discoveries such as these broaden the range of potential rock types where we can find fossils, even those preserving fragile soft tissues.”
Source: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/prehistoric-life/volcanic-vulture-fossil-italy