Mammoth Skeletons Could Help Us Discover How They Became Extinct
The discovery of at least 200 mammoth skeletons near Mexico City may help explain why the species became extinct. Archaeologists have said. The elephant-like beast, which had tusks and, in some cases, a covering of long hair, lived from about five million years ago. Disappearing in the last 4,000 years. Experts have been discovering remains at the site of a new international airport. Because so many are being found, each bulldozer is being accompanied by observers.
The remains of dozens of the extinct giants and other prehistoric creatures have been found in Zumpango. On the northern edge of the capital, which sits on an ancient lake bed. “More than 100 individual mammoths, camels, horses, bison, fish, birds, antelopes and rodents have already been recovered.” Says army captain Jesus Cantoral, who heads the excavation team. In total remains have been found at 194 spots across the site. Since the first discoveries were made in October last year. Paleontologist Joaquin Arroyo Cabrales said the airport site “will be a very important site to test hypotheses.” About the mass extinction of mammoths.
Mammoths
“What caused these animals extinction, everywhere is a debate. Whether its was climate change or the presence of humans.” Arroyo Cabrales says. “I think in the end the decision will be that there was a synergy effect between climate change and human presence.” Ashley Leger, noted that such natural death groupings “are rare. A very specific set of conditions allowing for a collection of remains in an area must be met. There needs to be a means for them to be buried rapidly and experience low oxygen levels.”
The site near Mexico City now appears to have outstripped the Mammoth Site at Hot Springs South Dakota. Which has about 61 sets of remains. Large concentrations have also been found in Siberia and at Los Angeles’ La Brea tar pits. For now, the mammoths seem to be everywhere at the site. The finds may slow down, but not stop, work on the new airport.
