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Wattendorf quarry enables new fossil excavations near Bamberg
The Wattendorf quarry near Bamberg, Germany, has reopened for scientific excavations following a new agreement with the quarrying company. The site, which was once a lagoon, is considered one of Europe's most significant fossil sites, offering detailed insights into life from 154 million years ago.
Oliver Wings, head of the Bamberg Natural History Museum, noted that the geological layers in Wattendorf are approximately four million years older than those in the famous Solnhofen fossil site. Previous discoveries over the last 20 years include two new pterosaur species, crocodiles, turtles, and various fish such as coelacanths and angel sharks.
One notable specimen held at the Bamberg Museum is the Balaenognathus maeuseri, a pterosaur distinguished by its unique beak and more than 480 teeth. Researchers hope the current excavation sessions will further complete the scientific understanding of prehistoric life.
Entities
Bamberg · Bamberg Natural History Museum · Oliver Wings · Solnhofen · Wattendorf
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Balaenognathus maeuseri is a pterosaur with more than 480 teeth. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.radioarabella.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The layers in Wattendorf are four million years older than those in Solnhofen. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.radioarabella.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Two new pterosaur species were discovered in the last 20 years. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.radioarabella.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The geological layers date back approximately 154 million years. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.radioarabella.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Wattendorf quarry near Bamberg is a major European fossil site. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.radioarabella.de