Archaeologists Find 13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Fossil in Iowa

Mastodon fossil in Iowa, USA
Image Credit: Office of the State Archaeologist, Iowa

Archaeologists have unearthed a mastodon fossil from the late Pleistocene during excavations in Wayne County, located in southern Iowa.

Officials from the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist stated that the skull, in particular, was very well preserved. They believe that the discovery will contribute to both the paleontological history of Iowa and studies on Pleistocene ecosystems.

Mastodons (Mammut americanum) were large members of the megafauna that lived in the cold and wet woodlands of North America. These giant proboscidean mammals shared similar morphological features with modern elephants but were genetically quite different. Reaching a shoulder height of approximately 3 meters (118 inches), these animals are particularly notable for their upward-curving tusks (definitivum dentis). These teeth are interpreted as an evolutionary adaptation, highlighting how effective mastodons were at breaking up tough vegetation.

Mastodon fossil in Iowa, USA
Image Credit: Office of the State Archaeologist, Iowa

Fossil Remains are Approximately 13,600 Years Old

Radiocarbon dating of the fossil discovered in Wayne County has shown that the remains date back to about 13,600 years ago. This period coincides with the end of the Ice Age and marks the time when Homo sapiens began to spread across the Americas. Fossils like this are of great importance in understanding the historical context of both the megafauna and early human societies.

Best-Preserved Mastodon Fossil in Iowa

For a period of 12 days state archaeologist John Doershuk led an excavation team. Erosion had partly exposed a mastodon skull in the stream bed which formed the main reason for their focus during this period. Up to date, these are said to be Iowas’ finest preserved mastodon fossils ever discovered that also act as new reference points for paleontological studies in that locality. Local community members contributed significantly towards recovery of not only the skull but other osteological materials during excavating procedures.

Mastodon fossil in Iowa, USA
Image Credit: Office of the State Archaeologist, Iowa

Though the analysis of this fossil is still going on today, there is stimulating enthusiasm regarding research about possible interactions between Homo sapiens and other species. An attempt will be made at determining whether or not they bear any evidence of having been cut or whether they were made using early human tools through careful microscopic examination as well as wear graveness exams which have been carried out on mastodon remains. If confirmed by scientific methods, such findings might provide some important insights concerning hunting and gathering practices among late Paleolithic peoples.

Once the analysis of the mastodon remains is complete, the fossils will be displayed at the Prairie Trails Museum in Corydon, Iowa.

How Did Mastodons Go Extinct?

Mastodons inhabited huge groups in huge grasslands and wooded areas. But, the climate changes that happened post Ice Age reduced their habitat. The decreasing habitat compromised food resources and elevated interspecies competition.

In addition to climate change, humans are also thought to have played a major role in the mastodon’s extinction. Mastodons were an attractive prey source because of their large size, which provided a substantial amount of meat. However, their slow reproductive cycle made them vulnerable to overhunting. As humans spread across North America, their population declined rapidly due to these pressures.