570-million-year-old fossils discovered in St. John's. 

Think you can find more?

Johnson Geo Centre launches fossil-finding contest

Nfld. & Labrador·Video
CBC News · Posted: Dec 01, 2021 


Are you a fossil finder?

Ancient fossilized organisms were discovered in the boulders around Quidi Vidi lake two weeks ago. Scientists are asking the public to help them find more. 2:10

The boulders lining Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John's showcase some of the oldest signs of life anywhere in the world, according to Memorial University earth sciences professor Duncan McIlroy.

The armour stone rocks are roughly 570 million years old, he said, and there are only about a dozen places on the planet where you can see fossils in rocks of that age.

McIlroy discovered fossils at Quidi Vidi Lake two weeks ago, and the Johnson Geo Centre is running a contest, hoping people will walk the lake on the lookout for more fossils before the snow falls.

See some of the fossils and learn more about the prehistoric discovery — and the ongoing contest — in the video .