Fossilized 10,000-year-old mastodon tooth found by California scientist
Molar from large mammal that once lived in North America is in ‘immaculate condition’ after discovery in Bay Area
TL;DR
- A California scientist discovered a 10,000-year-old Pacific mastodon tooth in San Mateo County.
- The molar is described as being in immaculate and spectacular condition, the most complete from the area.
- Pacific mastodons, relatives of elephants, inhabited the American west and went extinct over 10,000 years ago.
- The fossil has been donated to Stanford University for research, including carbon dating.
- Fossils like this help scientists understand past biodiversity and ecosystems, aiding future conservation efforts.
- Recent years have seen other mastodon fossil discoveries, including a jaw in New York and a tooth on a California beach.