California Geologist’s Routine Fieldwork Uncovers Astonishing Mastodon Tooth, Sparking Excitement and Mystery

California Geologist’s Routine Fieldwork Uncovers Astonishing Mastodon Tooth, Sparking Excitement and Mystery

The Pacific mastodons likely coexisted with other now-extinct species, such as bison-sized Jefferson’s ground sloths, Columbian mammoths, and western camels.

Pacific Mastodon Tooth Discovered

Balance HydrologicsAs Brigid Lynch first approached the tooth, she thought it might actually be some kind of strange organism, prompting her to warily ask her colleague, “Do you think we should touch it?”

In order to get a more precise date for the tooth, Midpen sent it to Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability to undergo carbon dating.

Researchers are also planning on creating a 3D version of the molar that Midpen can use for public outreach and education about the species.

In general, the researchers believe that this well-preserved fossil will provide new information about these giant creatures who began roaming the Earth millions of years before humans.

As Thompson said, the molar is “another puzzle in the Ice Age saga that we can put into place.”


After reading about the mastodon molar found in California, discover 11 of Earth’s most unbelievable prehistoric animals. Then, learn about when woolly mammoths went extinct.

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