A new study focused on amber fragments showcase a jungle-filled past for Antarctica millions of years ago.
Picture Antarctica—not as an endless expanse of snow and ice, but as a lush, green rainforest teeming with towering trees and mysterious plants. It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, but thanks to a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have proof that this icy continent was once home to a thriving jungle. Researchers discovered the first pieces of amber found in Antarctica during an internationally-led mission back in 2017.
But survive they did, leaving behind markers in the forms of fossilized roots, spores, and even pollen—all of which have been discovered by scientists exploring the region. All of this has long hinted at Antarctica having a forested past. However, the discovery of amber fragments is the first tangible evidence that resin-producing trees actually thrived here at one point. Finding amber in Antarctica doesn’t just add a chapter to Earth’s ancient story; it also holds clues for our future.
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