Search Here

According to a new study by Chinese Academy of Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, huge, flightless birds prowled the Arctic over 50 million years ago. The study published in Journal Scientific Reports on Friday reports that the paleontologists discovered two kinds of ancient birds, Gastornis and Presbyornis. Of the two, former is a significant discovery.

Even though the scientists could only find a toe bone only, it is enough to prove that Gastornis once walked the Ellesmere Island. This bone is strikingly similar to the fossil skeleton found in Wyoming. Researchers were surprised at the resemblances between the two fossils. "I couldn't tell the Wyoming specimens from the Ellesmere specimen," said Professor Thomas Stidham, one of the study's authors, in a press release, "even though it was found roughly 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) to the north."

Based on this evidence, the scientists know that Gastornis was at least 6-feet tall and weighed several hundred pounds. This study is the new proof that ascertains the existence of these birds on Ellesmere. "We knew there were a few bird fossils from up there, but we also knew they were extremely rare," said Jaelyn Eberle, one of the study's authors, as reported by The Christian Science Monitor

Since Ellesmere is one of the coldest places on Earth, it is rare to find bird fossils in Arctic. However, regardless of that, this island is a fossil hub for paleontologists. Over the years, scientists have found varied kinds of fauna in this island. They say, millions of years ago, Ellesmere was more like Southeastern United States than Alaska, says The Christian Science Monitor.

"I'm not suggesting there will be a return of alligators and giant tortoises to Ellesmere Island any time soon, said Eberle, "But what we know about past warm intervals in the Arctic can give us a much better idea about what to expect in terms of changing plant and animal populations there in the future."