Study of fossil sites in TN may fill under-explored gap in India’s prehistoric record

NEW DELHI: A chance discovery of fossil sites exposed by torrential rains in 2023 in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu has unveiled India’s past fossil record dating back to the Holocene period (8,000–12,000 years). The findings have potential to fill a relatively under-explored gap in the country’s prehistoric record.“This discovery is important because it helps us better understand India’s ancient wildlife, environment, and climate,” Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav posted on X on Monday while announcing the result of the findings of a field survey.Yadav said the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) conducted the field survey at the request of the Thoothukudi administration and the assessment confirms a newly discovered fossil bed, which significantly enriches the fossil record of India.Scientific study of fossils from the Holocene period helps scientists understand how climate, vegetation, rivers, and coastlines evolved after the last Ice Age.In a coastal district of Thoothukudi, the assessment can also reveal changes in sea levels along India’s southeastern coast, shifts in monsoon patterns and the past ecosystems comprising grasslands, wetlands, water bodies and forests.Unlike Africa or Europe, India’s Holocene fossil record is less systematically documented and therefore the recent discoveries may help in strengthening chronological continuity from prehistoric to historic periods.