Science Weekly Drinks cans and chicken bones: will ‘technofossils’ be humanity’s lasting legacy?
Feb 27, 2025
What will future civilizations discover about us? Scientists explore the idea of 'technofossils'—the remnants of human existence like plastics and artifacts. These materials could showcase our environmental impact and biodiversity loss. Simple items may tell clearer stories than complex technology. Imagine children's drawings revealing more than our latest gadgets! The discussion provides insight into the legacy we're leaving behind and how future beings may view our time on Earth.
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Techno-fossil Formation
- Techno-fossils, relics of human civilization, are already forming in sedimentary layers.
- These fossils, like plastic, will last for millions of years, becoming a permanent record.
Plastic's Persistence
- Plastic's omnipresence, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench, makes it a key techno-fossil.
- Despite its perceived disposability, plastic's inertness ensures its extremely long lifespan.
Ancient Plastic Parallels
- Graptolites, marine organisms from 500 million years ago, left plasticky tubes in the fossil record.
- Green algae cell walls fossilized into polythene in 50-million-year-old rocks, highlighting plastic's longevity.
