Fossilized 10,000-year-old mastodon tooth found by California scientist

A remarkably preserved 10,000-year-old molar from a Pacific mastodon—a massive Ice Age mammal—has been uncovered in the Bay Area, defying expectations of fossil degradation. The tooth, described as in "immaculate condition," was found by a geomorphologist during fieldwork at a San Mateo County preserve, offering a rare glimpse into North America’s prehistoric megafauna. Scientists believe the discovery could provide new insights into the species’ anatomy and the region’s ancient ecosystems. The find highlights how even routine geological surveys can yield extraordinary paleontological surprises.

Molar from large mammal that once lived in North America is in ‘immaculate condition’ after discovery in Bay AreaA 10,000 year-old tooth in remarkable condition from an ancient Pacific mastodon, a large mammal that once inhabited North America, was recently discovered by a California scientist.Brigid Lynch, a geomorphologist, was working at a preserve in San Mateo county, when she stumbled across a peculiar rock. Continue reading...