Topic: Biology

Researchers from the Canadian Museum of Nature discovered a previously unknown species of extinct rhinoceros in the High Arctic. The fossil was remarkably well-preserved and dated back to around 23 million years ago.

Fossil Hunters Uncover Ancient Rhino Species

A team of scientists from the Canadian Museum of Nature has made an exciting discovery - a new species of ancient rhino found in the Arctic. This remarkable find sheds light on the evolutionary history of rhinoceroses.

The fossil, named Epiatheracerium itjilik, was discovered in ancient lakebed sediments at Haughton Crater on Devon Island in Nunavut. It is believed to have lived around 23 million years ago during the Early Miocene.

This newly identified species is most closely related to those that lived in Europe millions of years earlier. The discovery of this Arctic rhino adds a new branch to the rhinoceros family tree, offering fresh insights into their evolutionary history.

The research also suggests that this ancient species reached North America via a land bridge, which may have remained active for land mammals much later than previously believed.

A Smaller, Hornless Arctic Rhino

Rhinocerotids varied widely in form, ranging from large, bulky animals to smaller, hornless types. Epiatheracerium itjilik was relatively small and lightly built, comparable in size to a modern Indian rhinoceros but without a horn.

The name 'itjilik,' which means 'frosty' or 'frost' in Inuktitut, reflects the species' Arctic origins. The researchers worked with Jarloo Kiguktak, an Inuit Elder and former mayor of Grise Fiord, to choose this name.

Most of the fossil material was originally collected in 1986 by Dr. Mary Dawson, Curator Emeritus at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her team recovered key anatomical features including teeth, jawbones, and parts of the skull, which later allowed scientists to identify the specimen as a new species.

The discovery prompted researchers to take a deeper look at the evolutionary history and geographic spread of rhinos. Biogeography examines how species evolve and move across different regions over time.

Why It Matters

This discovery matters because it helps us understand how life on Earth has changed over millions of years. It also shows that even in the Arctic, there was once a diverse range of animal life.

Key Facts

• A new species of ancient rhino was discovered in the High Arctic by researchers from the Canadian Museum of Nature.
• The fossil, named Epiatheracerium itjilik, is believed to have lived around 23 million years ago during the Early Miocene.
• This newly identified species is most closely related to those that lived in Europe millions of years earlier.
• The discovery suggests that this ancient species reached North America via a land bridge, which may have remained active for land mammals much later than previously believed.
• The name 'itjilik' means 'frosty' or 'frost' in Inuktitut and reflects the species' Arctic origins.

Key Terms

Rhinocerotids

A group of mammals that includes rhinoceroses

Implications

This discovery matters because it helps us understand how life on Earth has changed over millions of years. It also shows that even in the Arctic, there was once a diverse range of animal life.