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Dinosaur
Fossils Discovered in Lufeng,
Yunnan Province
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????From
October of 1997 to the end of 1999, the Institute of Archaeology
of Yunnan Province and the Museum of Lufeng County excavated dinosaur
fossils at Laochangqing Village in Lufeng County, Yunnan Province.
They found eight pieces of individual dinosaur fossils.
???? In early July of 1995, Lu Jiayou, a farmer of Chuanjie Township,
Lufeng County, dug into the site of the largest group of dinosaur
fossils in the world. The first fossil he dug out of the soil was
only as large as a potato. Researchers believed that it was a dinosaur
fossil. The site is located 300 meters off the north side of the
highway from Kunming to Chuxiong.
???? With approval from the relevant department of the local government,
the Institute of Archaeology of Yunnan Province and the Dinosaur
Museum of Lufeng County, the first stage of excavation began in
February 1997. The workers discovered four dinosaur fossils on the
purple-colored rock and clay stratum (of the Jurassic period of
the Mesozoic era.) So far, more than 120 dinosaur fossils have been
found.
???? The specialists believe that these fossils date from the late
period of the Middle Jurassic, dating back to about 160 million
years.
???? At present, the local county government is working out a program
for the protection and development of the dinosaur fossil site.
The Shanghai Natural History Museum has also joined in the research
and protection work. It has been learned that around the site on
Chuanjie Street, a comprehensive facility including a scientific
research base, a science popularization and information hall, and
a scenic spot with the discoveries will be built up.
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