A unique paleontological discovery was made near the city of Luga, Leningrad Region. Scientists have just discovered a fossilized tree stump estimated to be about 385 million years old. This fossil is believed to be the oldest ever found in Russia.
Theo Neva.Today, A valuable specimen was discovered by enthusiast Denis Goguev during excavations led by Dmitry Grigoriev, director of the paleontology museum of St. Petersburg (SPbSU) leads. As experts have noted, the main value of this find is its exceptional preservation. Fossils allow us to study in detail the internal structure not only of the stem, but also of the root system of an ancient plant, which is an extremely rare case in paleontology.
According to the researchers' preliminary hypothesis, the stump belongs to an unknown plant species from the Devonian period – the period when the first forests began to appear on Earth. At that time, the planet was covered with giant fern-like plants, the height of which could reach 10–12 meters.
To confirm the scientific hypothesis, the sample will be sent for comprehensive analysis to the laboratory of St. Petersburg.
It has been reported before that six new specially protected natural areas will appear in Ugra.
