Hippos Roamed Europe During Last Ice Age, Challenging Previous Assumptions
Contrary to long-held assumptions that hippos disappeared from Central Europe by about 115,000 years ago, new research suggests that these large mammals thrived in icy Europe during the last ice age. According to a recent study published in Nature, fossil evidence from Germany reveals that hippos roamed the region as far north as Britain around 47,000 years ago.
The discovery, which challenges our understanding of the region's prehistoric ecosystem, highlights the dynamic nature of Earth's climate during this period. "We were surprised to find hippopotamus fossils in Central Europe dating back around 47,000 years," said Dr. Rebecca Kind, a paleontologist at the University of Freiburg and lead author of the study. "This suggests that hippos were able to adapt to the harsh climate conditions and thrive in this region."
Analyses of fossils from the Upper Rhine Plain in Germany revealed that hippos migrated out of Africa into Europe during periods of warmer temperatures, which occurred between 780,000 and 12,000 years ago. This migration pattern is significant because it suggests that hippos were able to survive in Central Europe despite the onset of the last ice age.
The findings have important implications for our understanding of the region's prehistoric ecosystem. "This discovery shows that the climate was much more dynamic than we previously thought," said Dr. Kind. "It also highlights the importance of considering multiple factors, including climate and geography, when studying ancient ecosystems."
According to Dr. Thomas Kaiser, a paleontologist at the University of Cologne, the study's findings are significant because they challenge previous assumptions about the distribution of hippos in Europe during the last ice age. "This research provides new insights into the migration patterns of hippos and highlights the importance of continued fossil discoveries," he said.
The study's authors note that further research is needed to fully understand the implications of their findings. However, the discovery of hippopotamus fossils in Central Europe during the last ice age has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's climate history and the evolution of ancient ecosystems.
In conclusion, the discovery of hippos in icy Europe during the last ice age challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of these large mammals in the region. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of Earth's climate during this period and emphasize the importance of continued fossil discoveries for understanding our planet's prehistoric ecosystem.
Sources:
Kind, R., et al. (2023). Hippopotamus fossils from Central Europe during the last ice age. Nature.
University of Freiburg Press Release (2023). Hippos thrived in icy Europe during last ice age.
This story was compiled from reports by Nature News and Nature News.
