
Science
Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Climate: Oyster Fossils Reveal Shocking Truths about Global Warming
2025-05-14
Author: John Tan
From Seafood to Science: How Oysters Hold Climate Clues
Oysters are not just a savory delicacy; they are nature's time capsules, offering a glimpse into the planet's historical climate changes. Similar to the growth rings in trees, the layers on oyster shells indicate their age and the environmental conditions that shaped them.
Ancient Oyster Research Unveils Climate Fluctuations
A groundbreaking study conducted by an international team of scientists from China, Germany, Britain, and Madagascar has turned our understanding of ancient climates on its head. The researchers examined four oyster fossils from Madagascar and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period, around 140 million years ago—a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and the climate was warm and lush.