Russian scientists find cave lion fossil perfectly preserved for 28,000 years. The specimen is a female that has been baptized as Sparta. She was found on the banks of the Semyuelyakh River.
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The finding is described in the Quaternary Journal
In addition, a year earlier a male was also found that has been called “Boris”. It is also a puppy, so it can be deduced that several young specimens died due to some unusual event.
Both pups were within 50 feet of each other. At the time, it was suspected that they were brothers. However, DNA analysis indicated that they come from different litters. Both have thousands of years of existence.
The fossils were found thanks to their search for ancient mammoth tusks. Interestingly, they ran into another surprise. Also, the good news that the lions’ fossils are very well preserved.
An animal called “Cave Lion”
Its scientific name is Panthera spelaea. It is a completely extinct animal, which is only known from fossil remains. Its name is due to the fact that the remains of these animals have almost always been located in caves.
Apparently, it went extinct during the Quaternary mass extinction. It is an event that raises questions among the scientific community. In the Quaternary, 2/3 of the planet’s fauna became extinct.
This means that, currently, there are many fewer animals on Earth than in other periods. Interestingly, that event has allowed humanity to position itself as the dominant species.
The remains of the female Sparta were almost perfect: even with the fur still on the body. Likewise, she fully relied on the skeletal internal organs of hers. It is expected that she will have traces of breast milk.
Many fossil finds in the world
Recently, a “nearly intact” baby mammoth was discovered in Siberia. Unfortunately, this happens because of global warming. The ice caps are melting, exposing frozen animals.
Also, in America such peculiar discoveries. Such is the case of the dinosaur fossil found in Argentina, which some consider the largest in the world. All these are contributions to the knowledge of terrestrial zoology.
However, we must be vigilant. These fossils were buried or frozen, but recent changes to the planet have brought them out into the open. Perhaps this should be a reason for reflection that we cannot forget.
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Can you imagine finding the fossil of an ancient lion? The photos show that it is a very well preserved animal, with intact fur. Something that can rarely be found.
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