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Li Y, Feng Y, Du J, Wang Y, Shi G, Liang Y. Spectral and chemical characterization of amber from Xixia, Henan Province, China via FTIR, three-dimensional fluorescence spectra and Py (HMDS)-GC-MS. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35066. [PMID: 39220958 PMCID: PMC11365316 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Xixia amber from Henan Province in China has undergone a thorough examination utilizing microscopic observation, infrared spectroscopy, and three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectroscopy. This systematic analysis has revealed that there are primarily two varieties of Xixia amber: a light-colored type and a dark-colored type. These can be differentiated based on their coloration, infrared spectra, and distinctive fluorescence attributes. Notably, the infrared spectral profile of Xixia amber features a prominent peak at 1023 cm-1, accompanied by less pronounced peaks at 1088 and 974 cm-1. These spectral characteristics set it apart from amber originating from the Baltic regions, Myanmar, and Fushun. Further distinction is achieved through 3D fluorescence spectra, where Xixia amber exhibits similarities to Burmese and Fushun ambers. Chemical classification via pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) identifies Xixia amber as belonging to Class Ib, characterized by its ordered structure and the absence of succinic acid. This comprehensive study delineates the coloration, infrared spectral properties, photoluminescent behavior, and chemical compositions of Xixia amber, clearly differentiating it from ambers sourced from other geographical locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Gemological Institute, China University of Geoscience, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Jewelry, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yilei Feng
- Gemological Institute, China University of Geoscience, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jingfen Du
- Gemological Institute, China University of Geoscience, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Cultural Heritage and Art Design Institute, Zhengzhou University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yamei Wang
- Gemological Institute, China University of Geoscience, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Guangzhou CUG Gems and Jewelry Testing Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanghai Shi
- School of Gemology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Youzhi Liang
- Central Academy of Fine Arts, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102, China
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2
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Gauweiler J, Amaral AP, Haug C, Haug JT. Armoured Lepidopteran Caterpillars Preserved in Non-Fossil Resins and What They Tell Us about the Fossil Preservation of Caterpillars. INSECTS 2024; 15:380. [PMID: 38921095 PMCID: PMC11203582 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Resin is a plastic-like product of trees. Older occurrences of such resin are referred to as amber and are considered fossil resin. Younger resins are termed copals. Even younger ones have been dubbed defaunation resins. Non-fossil resins remain in a terminological limbo, often referred to as "sub-fossils". We report two lepidopteran caterpillars preserved in non-fossil resin: one from Madagascar, one from Brazil. Prominent hairs (=setae) and spines (=spine-like setae) of the specimens make it likely that they represent larvae of Erebidae (e.g., tussock moths and others). So far, most known caterpillars preserved in resins are either "naked" or bear protective cases; only few are armoured with spines or hairs. In particular, long-haired caterpillars such as the ones reported here are so far almost absent. Only one specimen with comparable setae has been reported from 15-million-year-old Dominican amber, but no significant details of this specimen are accessible. We briefly also review the record of caterpillars known from the Holocene, recognising that it is very sparse. The new specimens demonstrate that very hairy caterpillars can readily be preserved in resins in fine detail. Furthermore, the specimens increase the known size range of caterpillars preserved in resins, with one measuring more than 12 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Gauweiler
- Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - André P. Amaral
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (A.P.A.); (J.T.H.)
| | - Carolin Haug
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (A.P.A.); (J.T.H.)
- GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Joachim T. Haug
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (A.P.A.); (J.T.H.)
- GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
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3
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Peris D, Hammel JU, Cai C, Solórzano-Kraemer MM. First record of Jacobsoniidae (Coleoptera) on the African continent in Holocene copal from Tanzania: biogeography since the Cretaceous. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3735. [PMID: 36878923 PMCID: PMC9988830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neither fossil nor living Jacobsoniidae are found in abundance. Derolathrus cavernicolus Peck, 2010 is recorded here preserved in Holocene copal from Tanzania with an age of 210 ± 30 BP years. This leads us to three interesting conclusions: (1) This is the first time the family was found on the African continent, extending the family's distribution range to hitherto unknown localities. Derolathrus cavernicolus in Holocene copal from Tanzania expands the known distribution of the species, previously only recorded in the USA (Hawaii and Florida), Barbados, and Japan, both spatially and temporally. (2) All fossil specimens of the family have been found preserved in amber, which might be due to the small size of the specimens that prevents their discovery in other types of deposits. However, we here add a second aspect, namely the occurrence of this cryptic and currently scarce family of beetles in resinous environments, where they live in relationship with resin-producing trees. (3) The discovery of a new specimen from a family unknown on the African continent supports the relevance of these younger resins in preserving arthropods that lived in pre-Anthropocene times. Although we cannot demonstrate their extinction in the region, since it is possible that the family still survives in the already fragmented coastal forests of East Africa, we are detecting a loss of local biodiversity during the so-called Anthropocene, probably due to human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Peris
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Outstation at DESY, 22607, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Chenyang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, and Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008, Nanjing, China.,School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Mónica M Solórzano-Kraemer
- Department of Palaeontology and Historical Geology, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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Álvarez-Parra S, Pérez-de la Fuente R, Peñalver E, Barrón E, Alcalá L, Pérez-Cano J, Martín-Closas C, Trabelsi K, Meléndez N, López Del Valle R, Lozano RP, Peris D, Rodrigo A, Sarto I Monteys V, Bueno-Cebollada CA, Menor-Salván C, Philippe M, Sánchez-García A, Peña-Kairath C, Arillo A, Espílez E, Mampel L, Delclòs X. Dinosaur bonebed amber from an original swamp forest soil. eLife 2021; 10:72477. [PMID: 34844669 PMCID: PMC8631943 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dinosaur bonebeds with amber content, yet scarce, offer a superior wealth and quality of data on ancient terrestrial ecosystems. However, the preserved palaeodiversity and/or taphonomic characteristics of these exceptional localities had hitherto limited their palaeobiological potential. Here, we describe the amber from the Lower Cretaceous dinosaur bonebed of Ariño (Teruel, Spain) using a multidisciplinary approach. Amber is found in both a root layer with amber strictly in situ and a litter layer mainly composed of aerial pieces unusually rich in bioinclusions, encompassing 11 insect orders, arachnids, and a few plant and vertebrate remains, including a feather. Additional palaeontological data—charophytes, palynomorphs, ostracods— are provided. Ariño arguably represents the most prolific and palaeobiologically diverse locality in which fossiliferous amber and a dinosaur bonebed have been found in association, and the only one known where the vast majority of the palaeontological assemblage suffered no or low-grade pre-burial transport. This has unlocked unprecedentedly complete and reliable palaeoecological data out of two complementary windows of preservation—the bonebed and the amber—from the same site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Álvarez-Parra
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Eduardo Barrón
- Museo Geominero (IGME, CSIC), c/ Ríos Rosas 23, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Alcalá
- Fundación Conjunto Paleontológico de Teruel-Dinópolis/Museo Aragonés de Paleontología, Av. Sagunto s/n, Teruel, Spain
| | - Jordi Pérez-Cano
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Martín-Closas
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- Université de Sfax, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.,Université de Tunis El Manar II, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, LR18 ES07, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Geology, University of Vienna, UZA 2, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nieves Meléndez
- Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael López Del Valle
- Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Álava, c/ Siervas de Jesús 24, 01001, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Rafael P Lozano
- Museo Geominero (IGME, CSIC), c/ Ríos Rosas 23, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Peris
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Rodrigo
- Museo Geominero (IGME, CSIC), c/ Ríos Rosas 23, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Sarto I Monteys
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Edifici Z - ICTA-ICP, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - César Menor-Salván
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States.,Departamento de Biología de Sistemas/Instituto de Investigación Química "Andrés del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Philippe
- Univ. Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alba Sánchez-García
- Departament de Botànica i Geologia, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, c/ Dr. Moliner 50, Burjassot, Spain.,Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, United States
| | - Constanza Peña-Kairath
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Arillo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, c/ José Antonio Novais 12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Espílez
- Fundación Conjunto Paleontológico de Teruel-Dinópolis/Museo Aragonés de Paleontología, Av. Sagunto s/n, Teruel, Spain
| | - Luis Mampel
- Fundación Conjunto Paleontológico de Teruel-Dinópolis/Museo Aragonés de Paleontología, Av. Sagunto s/n, Teruel, Spain
| | - Xavier Delclòs
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Spectroscopic Identification of Amber Imitations: Different Pressure and Temperature Treatments of Copal Resins. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11101223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Copal resins can be treated with heat and/or pressure to imitate ambers in the gem market. To explore the effects of different modification conditions on post-treatment spectral changes, five experimental methods with different temperature–pressure parameters were designed to modify two types of copal resins. The treated copal resins were examined by infrared, Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results indicate that all the treatment methods simulate the maturation process, with spectral characteristics becoming more similar to those of ambers. Multi-stage heat–pressure treatment has the most significant effect on Colombia and Madagascar copal resins, with their spectra being similar to those of Dominican and Mexican ambers. Rapid high-temperature treatment at 180 °C modified the Borneo copal resin, with its infrared spectrum developing a “Baltic shoulder” resembling that of heat-treated Baltic amber. Even though there are many similarities between treated copal resins and natural ambers, they can still be distinguished by spectroscopic methods.
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Álvarez-Parra S, Delclòs X, Solórzano-Kraemer MM, Alcalá L, Peñalver E. Cretaceous amniote integuments recorded through a taphonomic process unique to resins. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19840. [PMID: 33199731 PMCID: PMC7669849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76830-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fossil records of vertebrate integuments are relatively common in both rocks, as compressions, and amber, as inclusions. The integument remains, mainly the Mesozoic ones, are of great interest due to the panoply of palaeobiological information they can provide. We describe two Spanish Cretaceous amber pieces that are of taphonomic importance, one bearing avian dinosaur feather remains and the other, mammalian hair. The preserved feather remains originated from an avian dinosaur resting in contact with a stalactite-shaped resin emission for the time it took for the fresh resin to harden. The second piece shows three hair strands recorded on a surface of desiccation, with the characteristic scale pattern exceptionally well preserved and the strands aligned together, which can be considered the record of a tuft. These assemblages were recorded through a rare biostratinomic process we call "pull off vestiture" that is different from the typical resin entrapment and embedding of organisms and biological remains, and unique to resins. The peculiarity of this process is supported by actualistic observations using sticky traps in Madagascar. Lastly, we reinterpret some exceptional records from the literature in the light of that process, thus bringing new insight to the taphonomic and palaeoecological understanding of the circumstances of their origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Álvarez-Parra
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/ Martí i Franquès S/N, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Xavier Delclòs
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, c/ Martí i Franquès S/N, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica M Solórzano-Kraemer
- Paläontologie und Historische Geologie, Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Luis Alcalá
- Fundación Conjunto Paleontológico de Teruel-Dinópolis/Museo Aragonés de Paleontología, Av. Sagunto s/n, 44002, Teruel, Spain
| | - Enrique Peñalver
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (Museo Geominero), c/ Cirilo Amorós 42, 46004, Valencia, Spain
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7
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Solórzano-Kraemer MM, Delclòs X, Engel MS, Peñalver E. A revised definition for copal and its significance for palaeontological and Anthropocene biodiversity-loss studies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19904. [PMID: 33199762 PMCID: PMC7669904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The early fossilization steps of natural resins and associated terminology are a subject of constant debate. Copal and resin are archives of palaeontological and historical information, and their study is critical to the discovery of new and/or recently extinct species and to trace changes in forests during the Holocene. For such studies, a clear, suitable definition for copal is vital and is herein established. We propose an age range for copal (2.58 Ma—1760 AD), including Pleistocene and Holocene copals, and the novel term "Defaunation resin", defined as resin produced after the commencement of the Industrial Revolution. Defaunation resin is differentiated from Holocene copal as it was produced during a period of intense human transformative activities. Additionally, the “Latest Amber Bioinclusions Gap” (LABG) since the late Miocene to the end of the Pleistocene is hereby newly defined, and is characterized by its virtual absence of bioinclusions and the consequent lack of palaeontological information, which in part explains the historical differentiation between amber and copal. Crucial time intervals in the study of resin production, and of the biodiversity that could be contained, are now clarified, providing a framework for and focusing future research on bioinclusions preserved in copal and resin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica M Solórzano-Kraemer
- Palaeontology and Historical Geology, Senckenberg Research Institute, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Xavier Delclòs
- Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA.,Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | - Enrique Peñalver
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (Museo Geominero), 46004, Valencia, Spain
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Correction: Unravelling the mystery of "Madagascar copal": Age, origin and preservation of a Recent resin. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235695. [PMID: 32614910 PMCID: PMC7332030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Bouju V, Perrichot V. A review of amber and copal occurrences in Africa and their paleontological significance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1051/bsgf/2020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The paleontological interest for fossil plant resins (amber and copal) has greatly increased in the last decades, as field studies have resulted in the discovery of various new deposits worldwide. Yet, amber-rich deposits remain particularly scarce on continents from former Gondwana. Here we review the known occurrences of copal and amber from Africa, with a state-of-the-art regarding the age dating, the putative plant sources, the fossil content, as well as the paleoenvironmental settings. The first African ambers known to yield arthropods and other organismal inclusions, found recently from the early Cretaceous of Congo and the Miocene of Ethiopia, are briefly overviewed.
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