La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles has been a treasure trove for researchers for the past 100 years. This time, excavations in the area have unearthed various fossils from the Ice Age. This discovery has brought to light many remnants ranging from large mammals like mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and dire wolves to pollen and small plants. They are also well-preserved thanks to the asphalt. Here are the details…
Major discovery at La Brea Tar Pits! 50,000-year-old fossils found
Excavations at La Brea Tar Pits began in 1913, and since then, scientists have unearthed various large fossils of animals and plants in the area. The sticky nature of the asphalt caused animals to become trapped, which contributed to their excellent preservation as fossils.
The preservation process works as follows: during warm weather, the stickiness underground increases, causing animals to get stuck in the asphalt. Predators and other animals often fall into the same traps when they discover these stuck fossils. This, in turn, creates a rich ecosystem in the excavation site.
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It’s not just large bones; plant, insect, and small animal fossils are also found. This presents a unique opportunity for researchers to gain a detailed picture of the Ice Age period. Moreover, the fossils also shed light on California’s climate and vegetation changes.
Excavations at La Brea Tar Pits are carefully conducted to better understand the area’s past. Scientists work meticulously to clean and exhibit the fossils found in the asphalt. Some parts of the asphalt contain more than 100 pits, each containing different types of fossils.
Hundreds of dire wolf skulls, a Pleistocene garden, and various other fossils have been discovered in this area. Researchers are continuously conducting research at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles to create a complete picture of the Ice Age.
Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to watch scientists work and see how fossils are processed. Excavations at La Brea Tar Pits are ongoing, and many more interesting discoveries are expected. What do you think about these discoveries? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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