[ad_1]
This prehistoric animal, known as the "Siberian Unicorn," weighed 3.5 tons and bore a scary horn. It was destroyed more than 100,000 years ago.
Despite its extinction, it is at the forefront of technology. research has shown that the beast shared the land with early modern humans until 35,000 years ago.
The ancient species of rhinoceros was known as the Elasmotherium sibericum (Siberian unicorn), because of its extraordinary unique horn.
to have disappeared between 200 000 and 100 000 years ago
However, a "magnificent complete skull" at the Museum of Natural History has allowed to question the date of the presumed disappearance of this creature.
Professor Adrian Lister, a paleobiologist who studies evolution and extinction, new research found that the "pack ice giant" had survived much later than previously thought .
"We have dated a few specimens – such as the beautiful complete skull we have at the museum – and to our surprise, they arrived at less than 40,000 years ago," he said.
Professor Lister collaborated with researchers from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Russia to treat a total of 23 radiocarbon specimens.
Using advanced methods, dating has shown that the species "survived to at least 39,000 years, even up to 35,000 years".
The study also consisted of examining the teeth of Siberian unicorns to reveal what the animals ate. The results confirmed that they were probably grazing on hard, dry grbades.
The Natural History Museum stated that the last days of the ancient species of rhinoceros "were shared with early humans and Neanderthals".
He added: "It is, however, unlikely that the presence of man is a cause of extinction.
"It is rather likely that the dramatic fluctuations of the climate during this period, combined with the specialized lifestyle of grazing and the low natural rhinoceros population, have pushed the species"
. Australian researchers examined the DNA of some of the fossils – the first time that a DNA was found in E. sibiricum – and discovered that the old rhinoceros "was separating from the modern group of rhinoceros." About 43 million years ago. "
This makes the Siberian unicorn" the last species of a very distinct and ancient lineage. "
It remains only today Five rhinoceros species, although there have been up to 250 species at different times.
This story originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished here with permission. [19659018]
[ad_2]
Source link
