Published18. November 2024, 12:16
EmotionResearchers find tiger baby-tooth in frozen parma
The permafrost is melting and revealing what has been hidden for thousands of years. In Siberia, researchers have found the mummy of a tiger cub that is almost perfectly preserved. Even the bristles are still there.
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Researchers have discovered the well-preserved remains of a saber-toothed tiger cub in the Siberian permafrost.
The animal lived in the late Pleistocene and lay in frozen ground for about 35,000 years.
The discovery is sensational as the frozen mummified remains of late Pleistocene mammals are extremely rare.
The discovery was made four years ago, but it is not known now: researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences have found well-preserved remains of a saber-toothed tiger cub in the frozen pan of Siberia. The animal (Homotherium latidens) was only about three weeks old.
When was the saber-toothed tiger alive?
According to the scientists, the young animal lived in the late Pleistocene, the last ice age. This began about two million years ago and ended about 10,000 years before Christ. The team’s radiocarbon dating showed that the young saber-toothed tiger had been in the ice for between 35,471 and 37,019 years.
Why is the discovery of the toothy tiger so amazing?
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The discovery of the saber-toothed tiger brings new insights: “When the mummy was examined it was possible for the first time to see its fur, the shape of its chin, the shape and position of the auricle, the morphology of the mouth opening and the nasal surface,” explain the researchers. The nature of the paws suggests adaptation to cold environments.
Further research showed that there were “significant differences between the saber-toothed tiger cub and a modern lion cub of the same age”: The saber-toothed tiger had a larger mouth, smaller ears, longer forelegs, darker hair and a neck in much thicker. These are also classic adaptations for life in cold climates, according to the researchers.
The discovery of the juvenile radically expands the understanding of the distribution of the genus and confirms its presence in the Upper Pleistocene of Asia, the team continued.
The study is in the specialist journal «Scientific Reports» appearance. The researchers have already announced another publication.
The remains of two lion cubs were also found in Siberia, almost completely preserved in the permafrost.
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What are the key differences between saber-toothed tiger cubs and modern lion cubs based on recent findings?
Time.news Interview: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Past
Interviewer: Anabelle Riebeling Fee, Editor of Time.news
Interviewee: Dr. Jean-Claude Gerber, Paleontologist at the Russian Academy of Sciences
Anabelle Riebeling Fee: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gerber. Recently, researchers have made an astonishing discovery in Siberia—near-perfectly preserved remains of a saber-toothed tiger cub from the late Pleistocene era. Can you tell us how you came across this remarkable find?
Dr. Jean-Claude Gerber: Thank you for having me, Anabelle. This discovery was made in Siberia’s permafrost, which has been melting as a result of climate change. The remains were uncovered by our team during an expedition focusing on permafrost conditions and their historical significance. When we stumbled upon the almost intact mummy, it was an exhilarating moment for all of us.
Anabelle: It’s fascinating to think about the implications of such a find. The saber-toothed tiger, or Homotherium latidens, is not something we see often in paleontological discoveries. What can you tell us about the cub itself?
Dr. Gerber: This cub was an incredible specimen, estimated to be only three weeks old at the time of its death. Through radiocarbon dating, we established that it had been in the ice for between 35,471 and 37,019 years. The preservation of its bristles, fur, and intricate features, such as the shape of its chin and ear position, offers us a unique window into its morphology and lifestyle.
Anabelle: That’s truly extraordinary! Can you shed light on what makes the preservation of such Pleistocene mammals rare?
Dr. Gerber: Absolutely. Discoveries like these are extremely rare because the conditions required for the preservation of soft tissues, such as skin and fur, are very specific. The extreme cold of the Siberian permafrost acted as a natural freezer, allowing these remains to endure through millennia. Additionally, there was a lack of decomposition processes at such low temperatures, making discoveries like this almost fossilized time capsules.
Anabelle: You mentioned that the findings revealed significant differences between the saber-toothed tiger cub and modern lion cubs. Can you elaborate on those differences?
Dr. Gerber: Certainly! Our analyses showed that the saber-toothed tiger cub had a larger mouth, smaller ears, and longer forelegs compared to a modern lion cub of the same age. Interestingly, the tiger also had darker hair and a thicker neck—features that seem to suggest adaptations for surviving in cold environments. This helps us understand how these creatures might have thrived during the last ice age.
Anabelle: How does this discovery impact our understanding of the distribution and evolution of the genus during the Upper Pleistocene?
Dr. Gerber: This find radically expands our knowledge of the Homotherium genus and confirms its presence in Asia during the Upper Pleistocene. Until now, much of our understanding was based on limited findings, primarily from North America. This new data allows us to draw connections between climate conditions, habitat, and the adaptations of these magnificent creatures.
Anabelle: It’s exciting to think about the doors this discovery could open for future research. You mentioned further publications on this subject—what else can we expect to learn from your team’s studies?
Dr. Gerber: We are currently analyzing other specimens found in the same area, including remains of two lion cubs that were also well-preserved in the permafrost. The forthcoming studies will delve deeper into the ecological and evolutionary implications of these finds. We hope to contribute to a better understanding of these species and their responses to ancient climate changes.
Anabelle: Thank you, Dr. Gerber, for sharing your insights with us. The implications of your research are sure to captivate scientists and the public alike as we learn more about our planet’s distant past.
Dr. Gerber: Thank you, Anabelle. It’s a pleasure to share this journey of discovery with you and your readers!
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End of Interview