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10,000-year-old fossilized mastodon found in creek
abcnews.com • • science
Key Points:
- A fossilized Pacific mastodon tooth, estimated to be at least 10,000 years old and in pristine condition, was discovered in a creek bed in San Mateo County, California, during habitat enhancement surveys.
- The tooth, measuring about 8.5 inches long, 7 inches deep, and 3 inches wide, is described as the most complete and spectacular mastodon molar found in the area.
- The Pacific mastodon, a large herbivore that lived during the Pleistocene epoch, is distinct from the American mastodon and woolly mammoth, with unique dental and skeletal features.
- The fossilized tooth was donated to Stanford University's Doerr School of Sustainability, where researchers will perform carbon dating and create a 3D scan for further study.
- Scientists hope that studying the fossil will enhance understanding of past ecosystems and inform efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems in the future.
