The Bhimbetka rock shelters in India, which hold important information about India's geological history, have been challenging to date accurately because of the absence of fossils. However, in 2020, researchers found evidence of the Dickinsonia creature in the caves, making it possible to determine their age, which is estimated to be about 550 million years old.
A recent study, however, reveals that the previously discovered evidence was not a Dickinsonia fossil but instead a beehive. This finding raises questions about the age of the caves once again, with some research suggesting they could be as old as 1 billion years, as reported by Science Alert.
Degraded Dickinsonia Fossil
The latest development in the story occurred when researchers revisited the caves and the supposed Dickinsonia fossil. The supposed fossil had rapidly degraded and was found lying vertically on a wall, unlike the typical position of such fossils, which would be found on the floor or ceiling. Geologist Joseph Meert from the University of Florida stated that after examining the supposed fossil, he immediately noticed something was incorrect.
The fossil was falling off the rock, and several large beehives in the caves supported the new theory. Further examination confirmed that it was the remains of a rapidly decaying beehive and not the fossil of an extinct animal from hundreds of millions of years ago. The previous study's scholars had suggested that some of the decay could have been caused by soot from fires.
The latest study, however, presents images that show dark staining around existing beehives, which could have been misconstrued as soot. The study argues that the staining was likely caused by propolis, a sticky brown material made of beeswax, saliva, and plant resins used to repair and reinforce the beehive. Additionally, no other Dickinsonia fossils have ever been discovered in the vicinity. The study was published in the journal Gondwana Research.
The 'fossil' in 2020 (left) and 2022 (right).
Radioactive Decay on the Fossils
The researchers, based on previous analysis of the radioactive decay of small zircon crystals, propose that the caves and the surrounding area are approximately 1 billion years old. The magnetic characteristics of the rock also align with the characteristics of rocks dated to that era. According to Meert, the findings have numerous implications, including the paleogeography of the period, the movement and assembly of continents, and the evolution of life from simple fossils to more complex ones.
He emphasized the importance of determining the age of the rocks to understand paleogeography during this crucial time in life's development. The researchers behind the latest study emphasize that this is the nature of science and how it progresses. One study builds upon another until the scientific facts are established. This does not mean that there are many inaccurate studies, but rather that published work can be relied upon as it is subject to examination and validation by other scientists through additional research.
Admitting a mistake can be challenging, as one might recall from personal experiences at home or work. However, the team that initially believed they had discovered a Dickinsonia fossil admitted to their error.
Paleontologist Gregory Retallack from the University of Oregon, a researcher involved in a previous study, stated that although it is uncommon, it is important for scientists to acknowledge mistakes when new evidence emerges.
RELATED ARTICLE: New Study Reveals Earth's First Animals: Dickinsonia
Check out more news and information on Dickinsonia in Science Times.
