Exploring the Ice Age: Giants and Landscapes
Did you know the Ice Age wasn’t just a time of icy conditions? It also had diverse landscapes like forests and grasslands. This concept is highlighted in the upcoming series, Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age, where viewers can expect more than just woolly mammoths.
Understanding the Environment
Dr. Darren Naish, a paleontologist and advisor for the series, explains, “The ice is only in the extreme north and south.” Even during the coldest times, there were tropical and temperate zones. This richness in environment challenges the notion that the Ice Age was purely an icy world.
Meet the Giants
While you might think of furry creatures like the woolly mammoth, the show also brings attention to another giant: the ground sloth, known as Eremotherium. Unlike the typical image of a furry giant, this creature might have varied in fur coverage. Dr. Naish notes, “We had to make a judgment call based on the evidence we have.”
Interestingly, a recent study involving Yuka, a baby mammoth found in permafrost, gives us a glimpse into the past. Many Ice Age creatures, like Yuka, can be studied thanks to their preservation.
What Did They Eat?
The series also showcases the unique diet of these giants. For example, Eremotherium likely feasted on the cannonball fruit from the cannonball tree. This fruit, which resembles a cannonball and has a mixed reputation for taste, is still found in parts of Central and South America.
A Recent Perspective
The Ice Age ended roughly 11,700 years ago. This means our world is still shaped by its impacts. Many species, including humans, are descendants of these ancient times.
Conclusion
As we dive into the stories of the Ice Age through engaging visuals and insights, we realize how closely linked we are to that era. Understanding these connections enriches our appreciation for history and nature.
