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Urumaco

Urumaco is a small town and a fossil-rich geological formation located in northwestern Venezuela, specifically in the Falcón State. The Urumaco Formation is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved vertebrate fossils, dating back to the late Miocene epoch (approximately 12 to 5 million years ago).

The Urumaco Formation's sediments consist primarily of sandstones, claystones, and conglomerates, deposited in a variety of environments including fluvial (river), lacustrine (lake), and estuarine settings. These varied environments contributed to the diversity of fossil fauna found in the area.

The fossil discoveries in Urumaco have significantly advanced our understanding of the paleobiogeography and evolutionary history of South American mammals, reptiles, and fish during the Neogene period. Notable fossil finds include giant rodents (e.g., Phoberomys pattersoni), diverse crocodiles, turtles, armadillos, and ground sloths. The Urumaco fossil assemblage offers insights into the continent's ecosystems before the Great American Biotic Interchange, when North and South America connected via the Isthmus of Panama.

The Urumaco region continues to be an important site for paleontological research, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world. Ongoing excavations and studies are constantly revealing new fossil specimens and providing further information about the ancient life that once inhabited this region of South America. The Urumaco fossils provide evidence of a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that existed millions of years ago.