Hippopotamuses Roamed Europe During Last Ice Age, Contrary to Previous Beliefs
A recent study published in the journal Nature has revealed that hippos inhabited Europe during the last ice age, contradicting previous assumptions. According to researchers, between 780,000 and 12,000 years ago, Europe's climate fluctuated between freezing periods and warmer intervals, allowing hippopotamuses to migrate from Africa into Europe.
The discovery was made possible through an analysis of fossils found in Germany, which dated back around 47,000 years. The left mandible of a female hippopotamus, discovered in the Upper Rhine Plain, provided crucial evidence for the study's findings. "This is a game-changer," said Dr. Rebecca Kind, lead author of the study. "It challenges our understanding of how climate change affected animal migration patterns during the last ice age."
Previous research suggested that hippos disappeared from Central Europe around 115,000 years ago with the onset of the last ice age. However, this new evidence suggests that they continued to thrive in Europe as far north as Britain. The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of climate change and its effects on ecosystems.
Dr. Kind explained that the fluctuating climate during the last ice age created opportunities for hippos to migrate into Europe. "The warmer periods allowed them to move north, while the colder periods forced them to retreat," she said. This dynamic migration pattern is a key factor in understanding how animals adapted to changing environments.
The discovery also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research, combining paleontology, geology, and climate science to gain a deeper understanding of the past. "This study demonstrates the value of collaboration between scientists from different fields," said Dr. Arnold, co-author of the study. "By working together, we can uncover new insights into the Earth's history."
The study's findings have sparked interest among conservationists and ecologists, who are eager to learn more about how climate change affects ecosystems today. As Dr. Kind noted, "This research has significant implications for our understanding of climate change and its effects on animal migration patterns. It's a reminder that we must continue to study the past to inform our decisions about the future."
The study's authors plan to continue their research, exploring the dynamics of hippopotamus migration during the last ice age. As Dr. Arnold stated, "We're excited to see where this new evidence takes us and how it can contribute to our understanding of climate change and its effects on ecosystems."
*Reporting by Nature.*
