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Nigel described how two million years ago fossils showed
that the climate in the area had been semi-tropical, with hippos, giraffes,
hyaenas and other tropical species present. A current excavation discovered
exciting finds - including the West Renton Elephant!
He located the area and showed how it looked today under excavation:
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A 'vole clock' (!) using vole teeth was important in dating the remains found. The climate changed dramatically after the ice age, with the summer temperatures rising from 12-14oC to 20oC or more.
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Above: The dig in progress. On the right, a part of a mastodon tusk.
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On the left: the impressive
beast whose fossils Above:
children pose against a full-size model
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| One of the most interesting finds were irridescent insect wing cases (elytra) still as brilliant as they were 64,000 years ago... |  |
