Aymamón Limestone facts for kids

The Aymamón Limestone is a special rock layer found in Puerto Rico. It's like a giant history book made of rock! This formation holds amazing fossils that tell us about life from a very long time ago. These fossils date back to the Middle to Late Miocene period, which was millions of years ago.

What is the Aymamón Limestone?

The Aymamón Limestone is mainly made of Limestone. Limestone often forms from the shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures. This tells us that the area where it's found today was once covered by a warm, shallow sea. Scientists study this rock to learn about Earth's past environments.

Ancient Life Found Here

Many different kinds of fossils have been discovered in the Aymamón Limestone. These fossils give us clues about the animals that lived in the oceans millions of years ago.

Sharks in the Limestone

One of the most exciting finds is the fossil of a giant shark:

• Megalodon

Imagine a shark much bigger than a school bus swimming in ancient Puerto Rico!

Shells from the Past

Many types of Bivalves have been found. Bivalves are sea creatures with two shells, like clams or oysters.

Snails and More

Gastropods are another common fossil. These are like snails, often with a single coiled shell.

Coral Reefs Long Ago

Many types of Corals have also been found. Corals are tiny animals that build large, stony structures, forming reefs. Their presence suggests that ancient Puerto Rico had thriving coral reefs.