Ancient Animal Fossils Unearthed in Turkey Shed Light on Migration Patterns
A fossil is seen at the Biodiversity Science Museum within the Biodiversity Application and Research Center at Ataturk University ahead of its opening in Erzurum, Turkey, June 15, 2023. (Hilmi Tunahan Karakaya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Ancient Animal Fossils Unearthed in Turkey Shed Light on Migration Patterns

A team of researchers in southwestern Turkey has unearthed 9-million-year-old animal fossils, according to a report by state-run broadcaster TRT on Wednesday. The remarkable discovery was made in the Tavas district of Denizli province and includes fossils from the Felidae family, a porcupine, and several birds.

Ahmet İhsan Aytek, the lead anthropologist from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, described the find as “a great success,” especially the porcupine fossil, which represents a species rare in Anatolia. Aytek noted that the skull and jawbones of the porcupine were remarkably well-preserved. He also commented on the bird fossils, stating that their bones are generally difficult to fossilize due to their delicate structure.

This latest discovery is part of a larger ongoing excavation in the area that commenced in 2017. Previous finds at the site include the fossils of 15 different animals like elephants, rhinoceroses, anteaters, and gazelles. Aytek believes these discoveries will shed new light on animal migration patterns.

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