In order to understand the geological nature and history of the Kitakyushu area, we must study different strata and fossil evidences from the region. From the exhibition in this room, "Research Zone", we hope you can learn how paleontologists learn about the geology and reconstruct real environment of Kitakyushu Area in the Mesozoic Time. QuickTime VR(about 340KB) Baika-seki (apricot blossom stone) Wakinosaurus Early Whales Plotopterids Baika-seki occurs along the shore of Aohama, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu. Three hundred million year old crinoid fossils form the patterns on the rocks just like the Japanese apricot blossom. In 1962, the strata along the sea shore of Aohama where Baika-seki occurs was designated as one of Fukuoka Prefecture's Natural Monuments. Wakinosaurus has been discovered in 1990 as the first dinosaurian fossil from the Fukuoka Prefecture. The first mysticete (whalebone whale) appeared about 30 million years ago. The fossil whale from the Ashiya Group is very important specimen as the primitive mystecete. There were several big birds in the north Pacific region in 30 million years ago. These now extinct, flightless marine birds are known as plotopterids, related to the cormorants. The Kitakyushu Area is main field of investigation on plotopterids. Aokiichtys uyenoi Excavations Research and Restoration Restoration This specimen, a member of the Osteoglossiform (along with Arowana), was found in Tokuriki, Kokuraminami Ward, Kitakyushu. The genus name is taken from Mr. Aoki, who found the specimen and donated it to the museum. The species is named after Dr. Teruya Uyeno, who first studied the Kitakyushu fish fossils. Excavations of Early Cretaceous freshwater fish were done in the Kitakyushu area in 1976 and 1977. Here, the excavation site is recreated for display. These are some of the tools and equipment used to restore and examine fish fossils and the computer screen displays the restoration process. These displays show the restoration of fish fossils using computer graphics and the use of modeling and robots to recreate ancient dinosaurs and plants.

*Quick Link [ Natural History Zone ] 1. The History of the Earth and Life -----Earth in the Paleozoic Era -----The Mesozoic Era -----The Cenozoic Era 2. Time-Travelling Room -----Cretaceous Zone -----Research Zone 3. Diversity of Life 4. Discovering Nature 5. Eco-Garden 6. Theme Exhibitions [ History Zone ] 1. Local Festival Lobby 2. Local Culture History 3. Discovering History 4. History of Kitakyushu 5. Theme Exhibitions