Scientists Uncover 'Lost World' in New Zealand Cave, Revealing 1 Million-Year-Old Ecosystem

• Researchers discovered a 'lost world' inside a limestone cave near New Zealand's Waitomo region, preserving fossils from one million years ago.
• The cave acted as a natural archive, sealing animal remains from decay with sediments and volcanic ash, offering rare insight into an ancient ecosystem.
• Fossils of at least 12 bird species and 4 frog species were identified, including an ancient parrot believed to be an early relative of today's kakapo.
• The findings reveal a rich ecosystem dominated by birds, with mammals almost absent, and frogs and insects playing key environmental roles.
• The discovery pushes back the timeline of New Zealand's ancient life, showing species extinctions due to natural environmental shifts long before human arrival.

Why It Matters: A New Zealand cave reveals a 1-million-year-old ecosystem, offering insights into ancient life and natural extinctions.