Summary:

Complete mastodon jaw unearthed in a New York backyard – a first in over 11 years!
Discovery made in Orange County, a region known for its Ice Age fossils.
The find includes the jaw and other bone fragments, offering valuable insights into mastodon ecology and Ice Age ecosystems.
Mastodons, related to modern elephants, went extinct around 13,000 years ago.
Researchers hope to further explore the area for additional preserved bones.

Jaw-Dropping Discovery: Mastodon Fossil Unearthed in New York Backyard!

A New York homeowner made a truly jaw-dropping discovery – a complete mastodon jaw, the first such find in the state in over 11 years! The discovery happened in Orange County, prompting researchers from the New York State Museum and the State University of New York to excavate the site.

More Than Just a Jaw

The team unearthed not only the remarkably well-preserved jaw, but also additional bone fragments, including a toe and rib. This find is incredibly significant because it represents the first complete mastodon jaw discovered in New York in more than a decade.

This discovery provides invaluable insights into the Ice Age ecosystems of the region and the ecology of mastodons, providing data to enhance current understanding.

Mastodons: Relatives of Modern-Day Elephants

Mastodons, related to modern elephants and extinct mammoths, roamed the Earth during the Ice Age. While fossils have been found globally, those specifically identified as mastodon remains are primarily from North America. These creatures, characterized by their flatter skulls, smaller ears, and long upper tusks, went extinct about 13,000 years ago.

Orange County has yielded a significant number of mastodon fossils, making this latest discovery even more exciting for researchers. The additional bone fragments offer potential for further exploration and research, with hopes to discover even more preserved bones in the area.

Source: BBC.com