Crenshaw/LAX project unearths piece of Leimert Park’s ancient history


Environmental monitors working underground at the site of the future Martin Luther King Jr. Station on the Crenshaw/LAX Line recently uncovered the bone of an animal that vanished from Southern California nearly 10,000 years ago.

Bison antiquus. Photo:La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Bison antiquus. Image from La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.

After the bone was carefully removed by Metro’s onsite environmental monitors, it was sent to experts at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits who identified it as the proximal right tibia of a bison antiquus. In non-paleontologist speak, that’s the bottom right leg of an ancient bison.

The bone was discovered 70 feet below street-level and was settled in alluvial soil, which indicates that a river ran through the area at one time. It’s estimated to be approximately 10,000 to 18,000 years old, which means the animal lived during the late Pleistoceneepoch.

Ancient bison were common in Southern California during that time. Bison antiquus are considered ancestors to modern bison. They were part of a large array of large mammals — including wooly mammoths, mastodons, camels and sloths — that went extinct at the end of the Pleistocene era about 11,000 years ago.

What happened? Two much-discussed theories include habitat and ecosystem changes due to climate change and over-hunting by humans.

The ancient bison bone will now be tagged and stored at a lab. Once the project is complete, it will be donated for research to the Natural History Museum.


Views: 271

Comment

You need to be a member of Leimert Park Beat to add comments!

Join Leimert Park Beat

Leimert Park Beat is the news and social network for Leimert Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Stay informed. Join now!

 

• Got news you think everyone should know? Blog it.

• Have a show or attending a benefit? Put it on the calendar.
• Video of the big game? Embed it.
• Photos of your business or the school play? Upload them.

WHAT STORIES WOULD YOU SUGGEST? Let me know.

With your help, LeimertParkBeat.com raised money to hire reporters, graphic artists and community members to cover our area.
Read the stories - Urban Economy 411, Redevelopment Hell and One of these don't belong.

Latest Activity

Dr. Angela Butts Chester posted a blog post

Cynthia Corsetti and Dr. Angela Butts Chester: Pioneering Leadership Excellence

Renowned leadership coach Cynthia Corsetti, with nearly 13 years of experience in coaching C-suite executives, unveils a groundbreaking approach to leadership development. Drawing from her extensive background as a former C-suite executive herself,…See More
yesterday
Stevie Mack posted a blog post

Comedian Stevie Mack Performing Live at The Comedy Store

Friday April 12th @ 6pmStevie Mack performs stand up comedy with a nice line up of funny Comedians. Location:THE COMEDY…See More
Mar 22
Dr. Angela Butts Chester posted a blog post

Embark on a Transformative Journey of Self-Discovery with "Emerge with Self-Love"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEEmbark on a Transformative Journey of Self-Discovery with "Emerge with Self-Love"Long Beach, CA, March 7, 2024 – Today marks the release of a groundbreaking collaborative effort, "Emerge with Self-Love," a motivational guide…See More
Mar 7
Dr. Angela Butts Chester posted a blog post

Worlds Leaders Magazine Interviews Dr. Angela Butts Chester

Supporting Empowerment and Fulfillment through Empathic LeadershipDr. Angela Butts Chester epitomizes empathic leadership, viewing it as more than just a means to accomplish tasks and achieve goals—it’s about prioritizing people. With a deep-seated…See More
Feb 19
Dr. Angela Butts Chester posted a blog post
Feb 12
Mistah Wilson posted events
Jan 20
Dr. Angela Butts Chester posted a blog post

PASSIONEER Magazine | January 2024

Welcome to our latest issue of PASSIONEER Magazine where we unravel the secrets to thriving in the winter months with a focus on wellness, style, and unwavering resilience. In this edition, we delve into the unique challenges posed by winter and…See More
Jan 18
SPMG Media posted a blog post
Jan 5

© 2024   Created by enhager.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service