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Hundreds of Crustacean-type animals’ fossils of the size of a pinhead have been discovered in Antarctica, according to scientists. These fossils known as ostracods, which are 14 million-year –old, were found in an ancient lake bed located in the Dry Valley region in the interior of the continent. These findings were highlighted in a new research study, which have been published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The fossils, which are well preserved are probably the last remembrances of a warm Antarctica, prior to the setting in intense and massive climate cooling that set in. They are in the shape of footballs.

Lead author of the study, Mark Williams, geologist, University of Leicester is of the view that this discovery was a key factor in understanding the impact of  global warming.

These creatures were probably relics that survived after the continent broke away from South America about 30 million years ago according to study co-author Allan Ashworth, professor of paleontology, North Dakato State University.

Ostracods do not exist in Antarctica as of now. The nearest place they are found is around 620 miles (1,000 kilometres) in the subantarctica islands, claims Ashworth. These ostrocod shells were in different stages of growth cycle.

Pollen and mosses belonging to the tundra vegetation that existed during the same period were also found at the same site. This indicates that it was a warm period, warmer than the present Antarctica. A warm temperature is required for the survival of ostracods.

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