Scientists just made one of the coolest discoveries ever! The first of its kind in the world butt-drag fossil trace, left by a rock hyrax around 126,000 years ago. This extraordinary discovery is located on the Cape south coast of South Africa. As such, it provides a rare glimpse into the activities of these cuddly critters, colloquially known in the area as “dassies.” The nearly complete fossil is 95 centimeters long and 13 centimeters wide. This find is a game changer in ichnology, the study of traces left by organisms.
The butt-drag impression (the last two images) has raised margins and features that tell an epic tale about this animal’s actions, habitat, and more. It is this researchers’ belief that this fossil has the potential to greatly change our understanding of southern Africa’s ecological history. It could shed important light on the rock hyrax’s social life.
Characteristics of the Butt-Drag Impression
The butt-drag impression is an astonishing 95 centimeters long and 13 centimeters wide. Such large size alone is an unequivocal sign that this shell was produced by a giant of the animal kingdom! This particular printing, noteworthy for its use of outer margins that are somewhat embossed, creates a unique profile. Within this distinctive trace is a prominent feature 2 cm high and 10 cm by 9 cm square.
Archaeologists determined that the long, raised feature couldn’t have been made by typical footprints alone. Their cause was determined to most likely be from the animal’s method of locomotion, dragging its body across the substrate. The occurrence of five equidistant striations at the location supports this assertion, indicating lateral movement along a distinct path.
Based on comparison with other similar fossils, the experts believe that the fossil is between 76,000 and 126,000 years old. This age definitely locks it in as prehistoric. Such a time frame would be consistent with other thrilling finds along the south coast of Cape. Researchers have mapped out close to 400 vertebrate tracksites at La Brea, some as old as 400,000 years.
The Rock Hyrax: A Unique Creature
Rock hyraxes are small, thickset mammals with short legs and a lack of a visible tail. As the top predators of their realm, they are essential to that ecosystem. They can be important contributors to what’s called “urolite,” or fossilized urine. These little guys are famous across southern Africa, where they are known as “dassies.” Their unique physiology and complex social behaviors create an amazing opportunity for researchers looking to better understand their world.
The finding of this butt-drag impression only reinforces the growing evidence that these creatures were highly active, social animals, with extensive home ranges. Though typically plant eaters, rock hyraxes inhabit the rocky outcrops of Africa. By learning more about their fossils, scientists can learn more about what made them move and what their ecological role was during prehistoric times.
“urolite happens” – Source not specified
Implications for Paleontology
This rare ichnological discovery holds enormous potential for paleontological implications. The butt-drag impression provides unequivocal proof of action. It provides unprecedented glimpses into the rock hyrax’s daily life, things we’ve never been aware of before. It provides brilliantly preserved fossils that enable researchers to address innovative questions about how these apex predators interacted with their environment and other species.
Paleontology students and researchers alike have shared their excitement over this significant discovery, highlighting the importance of such findings to vocalizing what ancient ecosystems were like. As one group of scientists and educators working in paleontology quipped at a recent conference, “coprolite just happens.” This very much sums up the unpredictable nature of finding ancient biological materials.
“coprolite happens” – [“students at paleontology conferences” – The Conversation]
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