China News Service, January 28. According to Reuters, Greek scientists recently discovered a rare fossil tree on the volcanic island of Lesbos. The branches and roots are still intact after 20 million years.
On January 21, local time, rare fossil trees were excavated on Lesbos Island, Greece.
The tree was discovered during road construction near an ancient forest on Lesbos. The forest was petrified millions of years ago, and it was transported out using a special plywood and metal platform.
Professor Nikos Zouros of the Natural History Museum of the Petrified Forest on Lesbos said that this is the first time such a well-preserved fossil tree has been discovered since the excavation began in 1995. The branches and roots are intact.
On January 21, local time, rare fossil trees were excavated on Lesbos Island, Greece.
The picture shows a closer look at the skin of the fossil tree.
"This is a unique discovery," he said.
"(It) is very well preserved, and by studying fossil wood, we will be able to determine which plant it belongs to."
The petrified forest of Lesbos covers an area of 15,000 hectares. It was formed after a volcanic eruption 20 million years ago. The volcanic lava flooded the island's then subtropical forest ecosystem.
On January 21, local time, rare fossil trees were excavated on Lesbos Island, Greece.
The picture shows the details of the fossil tree.
The fossil tree, about 19 meters long, was covered with thick volcanic ash after it fell.
A large number of fruit tree leaves and animal bones were also found in the same location.
Zuros said: "During the excavation, people discovered various trees on Lesbos from 17 million to 20 million years ago. We can rebuild the ecosystem that existed at that time."