The Gobi Desert - page 3

What is there to be found in China?

There are still unanswered questions about the origins of the first modern mammals: When, where, and from what group did these animals originate? Eocene mammal fossils have been found in other continents, mainly in Europe and Northern America. But the few fossils so far discovered in Asia, seem more primitive.

Therefore, some modern mammals might have originated in Asia, from where they have spread over other continents, leading to the extinction of the more primitive mammals.

An oasis full of fossils

Thierry, Pieter and Annelise are heading chiefly for Subeng, a location southwest of the Inner Mongolian city of Erenhot. Thierry has already been seeking in this Chinese part of the Gobi Desert, and his expedition has suggested a wealth of fossils.

The site of Subeng is situated on a gentle slope in the flat steppe of the Gobi Desert. The dry river beds crossing this plain show deeper and thus more ancient layers, dating from the late Paleocene, which are therefore perfect for the search of fossils of the Paleocene-Eocene transition.