Cow Branch Formation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cow Branch Formation Stratigraphic range: Carnian-Norian (Tuvalian) ~235–210Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Type	Geological formation
Unit of	Dan River Group
Location
Coordinates	36°24′N 80°00′W / 36.4°N 80.0°W / 36.4; -80.0
Approximate paleocoordinates	5°30′N 20°24′W / 5.5°N 20.4°W / 5.5; -20.4
Region	Virginia
Country	United States

The Cow Branch Formation is a special layer of rock found in the eastern United States, mostly in Virginia. It was formed during the Triassic period, a very long time ago, about 235 to 210 million years ago! Scientists study this rock to learn about the ancient world. They have found amazing fossils here, including tracks from early dinosaurs.

Discovering the Cow Branch Formation

This rock formation helps us understand what Earth was like millions of years ago. It's part of a larger group of rocks called the Dan River Group. The Cow Branch Formation is from the Late Triassic period. This was a time when the first dinosaurs were just starting to appear.

Scientists have found fossils of different creatures in these rocks. These fossils tell us about the plants and animals that lived in this area long ago. They even found tracks from early ornithischian dinosaurs. These are a type of dinosaur with hips like a bird.

Ancient Life in the Cow Branch Formation

The Cow Branch Formation is like a time capsule. It holds clues about the ancient environment and the creatures that called it home. Scientists have found many different types of fossils here.

Reptiles

Many reptile fossils have been found. These include:

• Mecistotrachelos apeoros: This was a gliding reptile. It had long ribs that supported a wing-like membrane.
• Tanytrachelos ahynis: A small, lizard-like reptile.
• cf. Pariostegus sp.

Fish

The formation also contains fossils of ancient fish. This tells us that there were lakes or rivers in the area. Some of the fish found include:

• Diplurus cf. newarki
• Cionichthys sp.
• Semionotus sp.
• Synorichthys sp.
• Turseodus sp.

Ichnofossils (Trace Fossils)

Ichnofossils are not bones or shells. They are traces of activity, like footprints or burrows.

• Anchisauripus milfordensis: These are fossilized footprints. They likely belonged to a type of early dinosaur.

Insects and Spiders

Many tiny creatures also left their mark. Scientists found fossils of ancient spiders and insects. This helps us learn about the early evolution of these small animals. Some examples include:

• Argyrarachne solitus (an ancient spider)
• Alinka cara (an ancient insect)
• Architipula youngi (a type of ancient fly)
• Phyloblatta grimaldii (an ancient cockroach)

Ancient Plants

The rocks also contain many plant fossils. These show us what the ancient forests and landscapes looked like. Some of the plants found are:

• Lonchopteris virginiensis
• Pagiophyllum diffusum
• Zamites powellii
• Dictyophyllum sp.
• Lepidodendron sp.

These plant fossils help scientists understand the climate of the Triassic period. They also show how plants have changed over millions of years.

Images for kids

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  Outcrop of the Cow Branch Formation, quarry near Eden, North Carölina

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  Fossils in black shales of the Cow Branch Formation

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  Fossil fish spine in black shale of the Cow Branch Formation, North Carolina

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  Vertebrate tooth in nonmarine black shale, Cow Branch Formation, North Carolina