Scientists sifted through a million years of volcanic ash in a remote cave, and found a forgotten evolutionary world

A study published in Alcheringa highlights an excavation at Moa Eggshell Cave near Waitomo on the North Island. A research team led by Trevor Worthy of Flinders University and Paul Scofield of the Canterbury Museum recovered a diverse collection of ancient bird and frog bones, perfectly preserved between two distinct layers of volcanic ash.