Fossil Bison Skull. Bison antiquus ("ancient bison"). Pleistocene. North Platte River, Nebraska, USA. ...

Description

Fossil Bison Skull
Bison antiquus ("ancient bison")
Pleistocene
North Platte River, Nebraska, USA

A relatively common variety of big herbivores that roamed the landscape of the Pliocene of North America, Bison antiquus (fittingly meaning antique or ancient bison) became extinct about 10,000 years ago. Taller and with larger horns and bones than modern bison, this type of bovine grew to an impressive height of 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) and a weight of some 3,500 pounds (1,600 kilograms) as an adult. As with many contemporary animals, horns - especially those associated with a skull - are collectible examples. This horned, partial skull is one such representation, featuring a rather impressive "hornspan" of 30 inches (76 cm) across from the tip of the horn core to the tip of the horn core. With a multi-toned color palette of several brownish hues, this Ice Age remnant offers contrast in terms of coloration. From Nebraska, this fossil was found by the North Platte River and is believed to date to about 12,000 years in age. While lacking in much of the skull structure and any lower jaw, as well as any teeth, this piece is nonetheless a nice representation of the extinct creatures that lived alongside humans and likely were successfully hunted by early peoples. Bison antiquus may be a direct ancestor of the living American bison commonly referred to as buffalo, although it is not.
Measurements: 30.31 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches (77.00 x 30.00 x 20.00 cm)

More Information: The accompanying image is an artistic interpretation, based on knowledge from the fossil record and ancillary factors, of the potential appearance of the above extinct animal. Please note the rendering does not accompany the Lot.


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