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Rare Discovery In Canada Reveals Ice Age Bison With Preserved Tissues, Hair And Organs For 30 Thousand Years, Providing New Data On The Pleistocene.
An Ice Age bison, approximately 30,000 years old, was discovered in the Yukon territory of Canada.
The discovery surprised scientists due to the rare integrity of the animal, which was found with soft tissues, hair, and even internal organs practically intact.
The specimen, classified as Bison priscus, offers new data about the Pleistocene period in North America.
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Almost Intact Animal
Unlike most prehistoric finds, which are generally fragmented, the bison retained its nearly complete structure.
Measuring about 2.13 meters in length and with a shoulder height of 1.83 meters, the animal still shows reddish-brown fur preserved in parts of its body.
The horns, nearly 90 centimeters in length, are also in excellent condition.
Besides the bones, what impresses most are the soft tissues, which allow for a detailed analysis of the organs and the internal system of the bison.
The conservation at such a high level is rare even in frozen environments.
Natural Freezing Preserved The Animal
The preservation condition of the bison is due to a unique combination of natural factors.
After its death, it was quickly covered by a landslide during the spring thaw.
Then, a sudden drop in temperature caused the body to freeze completely.
The frozen soil of the permafrost, low in oxygen and with subzero temperatures, prevented the action of decomposing bacteria.
Additionally, the minerals present in the surrounding soil further hindered any degradation process. This resulted in a form of “natural mummification.”
This process was essential to conserve not only the bones but also the organs and tissues.
Thanks to this condition, scientists were able to extract high-quality DNA from the animal.
Genetic And Environmental Advances
The genetic analysis revealed that the specimen belongs to the species Bison priscus, the steppe bison, which is the direct ancestor of the modern American bison (Bison bison) and the European bison (Bison bonasus).
The preservation of the tissues allowed researchers to compile the most complete genetic profile ever made of an Ice Age bison.
Studies of the digestive content indicated that its diet was based on grasses, sedges, and other typical spring plants.
Meanwhile, the isotopic analysis of its teeth and hair suggests that the animal participated in seasonal migrations, traveling long distances in search of food.
Partnership With Indigenous Communities
The excavation was conducted in collaboration with indigenous communities in Yukon, who have lived in the region for generations.
These groups participated in all stages of the operation, sharing knowledge and helping scientists to better understand the context of the discovery.
The partnership created a model of cooperation between science and tradition.
The work was carried out with care, following strict protocols to ensure that the specimen was safely removed and transported without damage.
Last Relevant Information
The bison was taken in refrigerated containers to specialized laboratories, where it will continue to be studied.
The researchers expect that the specimen will reveal more information about ancient ecosystems and how animals adapted to the climate of the Pleistocene.
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