Field Sites

Palaeontological Excursion in China with Sydney Grammar School 30/6/2002 to 15/7/2002

Highlights - The Jehol biota

The Jehol biota, first proposed by Prof. Gu (1962), refers to the Eosestheria-Ephemeropsis-Lycoptera fauna recovered from the Jehol Group exposed in the western Liaoning Province and the vicinity, in north-eastern China. So far over 60 species of fossil plants, some 1000 species of fossil invertebrates, and nearly 70 species of fossil vertebrates have been recorded in these rocks, dating back to 125 -135 million years ago (Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous). In recent years, the Jehol Biota has drawn wide media attention and great interest within palaeontological circles. It has provided new and crucial evidence for some important issues in evolutionary history, particularly the direct ancestors and phylogeny of birds, and the origins of feathers.

Before the discovery of the Jehol biota, feathers were only found in association with bird fossils. However, among the Jehol Biota, feathers and feather-like structures have been found in association with many dinosaurs, such as Sinosauropteryx, Caudipteryx, Beipiaosaurus, Protarchaeopteryx, Sinornithosaurus and Microraptor. These discoveries strongly support the evolution of birds directly from dinosaurs, rather than both birds and dinosaurs evolving from thecodonts, as traditionally accepted.

Professor Chen Peiji and his colleagues from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences guided the students and teachers at the Sihetun Quarry near Beipiao and the Liaoning Palaeontology Museum. Professor Chen, a senior palaeontologist in China, is one of the first Chinese palaeontologists to report the discovery of the feathered dinosaurs. In the Sihetun Quarry, a permanent display corridor with a stratigraphic profile is under construction for visitors.

In this quarry over one thousand complete specimens of fossil birds, a half-dozen feathered dinosaur specimens, and numerous specimens of dinosaurs, reptiles, mammals, fossil fish, and many other fossil groups have been found. After a half-hour search in the quarry, most of the visitors found some specimens such as fish, arthropods, and plants. Many excellent specimens of fossil birds and feathered dinosaurs are displayed in the Liaoning Palaeontology Museum, however no photos are allowed inside the museum.

Copyright © Australian Museum 2002