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JESBI Project

Submitted by Jon Taylor on 15 Feb 2012 13:54

The Jurassic Ecosystem of Strawberry Bank Ilminster (JESBI) project is a three year collaboration between Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution and the Palaeobiology and Biodiversity Research Group (University of Bristol), and funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.

Beneath the houses of the Somerset town of Ilminster lies a beautifully preserved Jurassic ecosystem.

A basement in central Bath is home to hundreds of fossils, excavated from this hidden treasure trove over 150 years ago.

Not only are there many fossils from this site, but they show exceptional preservation. Many anatomical features that are very rarely preserved are common in the fossils from this site. Soft tissues such as muscles, guts, and traces of skin, allow scientists unusual opportunities to learn more about some fascinating extinct creatures.

For the first time since their discovery, the exquisite fossils of extinct marine reptiles, fish, crustaceans, squid-like cephalopods, and insects are to be intensively studied.

For further infomation please follow this link


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