STORIES FROM FOSSILS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1924, Page 4

STORIES FROM FOSSILS

DISCOVERIES IN QUEENSLAND

Sydney, Oct. 30. Some important discoveries in the way ol fossils have hcen made in recent years at the Marmoor quarry, near Rockhampton, Queensland, indicating the existence in past ages of remarkable species of Australia’s unique marsupials now either lost or modified out of recognition from their former dimensions. Sul>.stnutia'.tiju Unis tilso been given to the theory that Eastern Australia with Tasmania as part of the mainland once formed a distinct continent. with distinctive fauna from that of the larger continent that existed westward of a sea then dividing tiio rest of the present continent. The theory is that' the animals in the east were unable to contend against those of the western continent when the disappearance of the dividing sea resulted in their migration eastward, and they were -practically exterminated, but survived in the portion of the eastern continent that became separated as an island and now forms Tasmania. Interested in the discovery sometime ago of the fossilised tooth of a so-called pouched lion (Thyncoleo) in the quarry. Air Longman (Director of the Queensland Museum) visited the spot last week and in company with the manager of the quarry (Mr Evans) made a unique discovery. In earth about Goft. from the original surface they found four vertebrae of fossil snakes, easily distinguishable on account of a peculiar ball and socket formation. Mr Longman was particularly pleased, as lie thinks this i.s the first recorded instance of a fossil snake being found in any part of Australia. Later another important discovery was made, this being of several specimens of fossil teeth of an animal related to the marsupial devil, now found only in remote parts of Tasmania, and long since extinct on the mainland. Three of the teeth wore embedded in a jawbone. Previous to this the only fossil remains uT a devil found comprised half a tooth. Many other fossil remains, including kangaroos and wallabies, were picked up. Mr Longman states that the Marmor quarries offer a rich field for the collector, and it is quite possible very important discoveries 111 av he made there.