Note: Fossil site in a disused bituminous shale quarry near Messel, Germany. The site as significant geological and scientific importance because of numerous fossils found here, including the Eocene "Ida," a primitive primate ancestor. Oil shale formed by the slow anoxic deposition of mud and dead vegetation on the lake bed from 47 million years ago, preserving acquatic species as well as land animals and birds that fell into or became mired in the lake bed. The Messel Pit was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995.
icon to view the hierarchy.
