Tar Pit (Noun)
Meaning
A natural accumulation of bitumens at the surface of the earth; often acts as a trap for animals whose bones are thus preserved.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- Prehistoric animals were often trapped in the tar pit near the excavation site, which led to many valuable discoveries.
- La Brea Tar Pits is a famous site with fossil evidence of ancient animals that got stuck in the tar pits.
- Researchers were amazed by the exceptionally preserved condition of the mammoth fossils they uncovered from the tar pit.
- The tar pit is a significant site for paleontologists, as the viscous tar has preserved countless fossils of prehistoric animals.
- During excursions, scientists would often explain how tar pits worked to trap unsuspecting animals, giving insight into paleontology.