Orange Lichen Guides Scientists to Dinosaur Fossils in Alberta, canada
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta – Scientists are utilizing a surprising ally – bright orange lichen – to locate dinosaur fossils in the Canadian Badlands. Recent research reveals certain lichen species demonstrably prefer to grow on fossilized dinosaur bones, allowing researchers to identify potential fossil sites from aerial surveys.
The finding, centered at Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO world Heritage site in southern Alberta, shows pad – likely referring to a local name for the lichen – can cover as much as half the surface of exposed fossil bones, while rarely growing on surrounding rock. This preference is now aiding in fossil discovery,connecting modern biological life to creatures that lived approximately 75 million years ago.
“The growth pattern of lichens that prefer to stick to fossil bones has actually been observed for decades, but has only now been studied scientifically,” explained Dr. Caleb Brown of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
Lichens are symbiotic organisms comprised of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, known for their resilience to extreme environmental conditions. Species like Rusavskia elegans and Xanthomendoza trachyphylla thrive on the calcium-rich, porous surfaces of fossil bones, benefiting from the minerals and moisture they provide.
A team led by Dr. Brian Pickles, Associate Professor at the University of Reading, found the lichen exhibits a unique color signature detectable by drones from heights of around 30 meters. Near-infrared imaging reveals the lichen strongly reflects red light and absorbs blue light,differentiating it from the surrounding landscape.
“This research shows how modern organisms can definitely help us find traces of ancient life,” stated Dr. Pickles, emphasizing the collaborative potential of ecology and paleontology.
The new method employs digital sensors and drone technology to efficiently map fossil locations while minimizing environmental impact. Machine learning algorithms analyze images to distinguish lichen from other rock formations, pinpointing areas likely to contain bones.
Dr. Derek Peddle from the University of lethbridge anticipates this drone study will pave the way for large-scale mapping using aircraft or satellites. The technique is especially effective in arid regions like the Canadian Badlands, where wind and erosion frequently expose fossil remains. This targeted approach allows scientists to focus exploration efforts, reducing the need for extensive, random field work and offering a novel method for uncovering ancient remains.