From a fossil standpoint, the Ordovician, Cretaceous and Quaternary periods are significant to Manitoba's history. A new exhibit at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) in Morden was recently created to explore the significance of these geological periods.

Executive Director Peter Cantelon says this exhibit will inform people on the diversity of life which made Manitoba their home during those time periods.

"One of the things we want to do is make sure people understand Manitoba from a fossil and geological perspective."

Cantelon says, when people visit the CFDC, they often know they will be seeing fossils from Manitoba. However, they may not be aware of why Manitoba is a hot-bed for aquatic and Ice-Age fossils.

The exhibit is a glance into the history of Manitoba, and how fossils have formed in limestone, shale and those found in glacial till and gravel pits. It also delves into the depths of why aquatic fossils are found in the middle of a prairie.

He notes Manitoba has been underwater several times throughout history.

During the Ordovician period, a time 444-485 million years ago, Manitoba was a shore partially covered by a tropical sea. This unusual Manitoba gave life to corals, squid which had external shells, trilobites and hundreds of other bizarre creatures, which were the basis for the formation of limestone.

Jump forward to 146 million years ago, and Cretaceous North America was split by the Western Interior Seaway. This is where mosasaurs like the CFDC's famous Bruce, giant turtles and killer fish stalked.

The current period known as the Quaternary was broken into two parts; the Pleistocene and Holocene. The Ice-Age created a massive lake known as Lake Agassiz which was the backbone of many of our modern lakes. Mammoths and prehistoric bison roamed the lands, and their bones can be found scattered around Manitoba.

Information on these periods are accompanied by interactive elements which will enhance the experience, more for younger visitors, explains Cantelon.

"We've made it interactive so it slows people down, and engages more senses. Particularly with kids who can run through the museum quite quickly unless there's something to stop them. "

Cantelon says this new exhibit is a new evolution in the museum, and says it is currently his favourite.