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Scientists have unearthed prehistoric insects encased in amber from a South American sandstone quarry, marking the first such discovery on the continent. The 112-million-year-old specimens, including beetles, flies, ants, and wasps, offer insights into the early diversification of flowering plants and their interactions with insects during the Cretaceous period. The find, published in Communications Earth and Environment, challenges previous assumptions about amber distribution, highlighting a diverse, humid forest ecosystem distinct from today's Amazon rainforest.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.