“Unlocking Ancient Secrets: Fossilized Beetle Reveals Surprising Role in Earth’s First Pollination 99 Million Years Ago!”
Before the discovery, many scholars since Darwin — who called the rapid radiation experienced by angiosperms during the mid-Cretaceous time an “abominable mystery” — believed that insect pollination was likely the culprit behind the rapid radiation period, since insects and flowering plants both existed at the time.
But without concrete evidence, this theory remained a mere idea — until now.
Now that you’ve learned about the prehistoric pollen-covered beetle, check out this ancient millipede fossilized in Burmese amber for 99 million years. Then, take a look at these gorgeous 100-million-year-old flowers that were also perfectly preserved in amber.
