Scientists Discover One Million-Year-Old Remnants in Island Cave

A significant fossil discovery in a cave on New Zealand’s North Island has revealed 12 ancient bird species and four frog species, some of which were previously unknown, dating back over a million years. This find enhances scientific understanding of the extinction patterns that occurred before human arrival 750 years ago, highlighting the impact of natural events like super-volcanoes and climate shifts on wildlife. The study, published in Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, indicates that diverse bird populations once thrived in these ancient forests. Lead researcher Trevor Worthy emphasizes that the extinction narrative extends beyond human influence.

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