28,000-year-old well-preserved fossil of cave lion in Siberian permafrost with whiskers gives researchers vital insights
Researchers have discovered the fossil of an Ice Age cave lion in Siberia. However, finding remains of cave lions is not rare in the area, but this one had something unique attached to it, according to Animals Around The Globe. The lion had whiskers, despite having died thousands of years ago, which typically does not happen. But in this case, the preservation was a consequence of how the creature had been laid to rest. The whiskers helped experts to contrast the ancient creature with many of its modern relatives in a way that doesn't usually happen.
Unique Fossil
The fossil discovered in 2021 stood apart, as preserved remains of an Ice Age cave lion (Panthera spelaea) do not typically include soft tissues. Further examinations revealed that the remains were 28,000 years old. Researchers found traces of soft tissues, like skin, muscle fibers, but most notably, whiskers. Whiskers play a pivotal role in the sensory functions of felids. Hence, uncovering it in the case of Ice Age cave lions provides an unprecedented opportunity for experts to look into the anatomy and behavioral mechanisms of these prehistoric predators.
These remains were preserved in this manner, as it was buried in permafrost. The permafrost's sub-zero temperature created a deep freeze environment, which stopped the natural decomposition process and allowed organic matter to persist. Experts believed the creature must have fallen into a crevice, then been filled with ice, and remained stuck there for centuries.
Insights from the Whiskers
Researchers did an investigation on the remains using freeze-drying, advanced imaging techniques, molecular approaches, traditional morphological studies, and specialized chemical treatments. It gave them multiple insights into how the lion was different from its modern relative. Whiskers are utilized by felines to navigate their habitat, detecting air currents and hunting, especially in low-light areas. The intact whiskers allowed experts to determine the sensory organ's length, follicle structure, distribution pattern, and thickness.
For the remains uncovered in 2021, researchers determined that the whiskers were longer and more numerous compared to modern lions. It is evidence of enhanced sensory abilities to hunt in low-visibility conditions during snowstorms or twilight in northern latitudes. Such clear-cut evidence of advanced features is rare. Throughout the examination, they ensured to preserve the integrity of the remains, as they utilized specialized scanning electron microscopy to zoom in on the whiskers and detect wear patterns, to understand how they may have been utilized in the animal's lifetime. They used multiple approaches to gather maximum data from the remains.
What are the Other Findings
Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the cave lion lived during the Late Pleistocene epoch, just before the extinction event that wiped cave lions from Europe and Asia. This finding is valuable, as it implies that the creature lived in a world where its population was thriving, but still facing some repercussions from the looming change. The creature's teeth and bone development indicated that the specimen was an adult, between the ages of five and seven.
The team also determined that it was a female and had been in excellent health at the time of death. Researchers found both similarities and differences between this cave lion and modern big cats. The whisker arrangement appeared to be the same, with distinct rows above the eyes and the muzzle, implying an evolutionary continuity throughout the Panthera genus.
Researchers noted that cave lion whiskers were 30% longer relative to the creature's skull, compared to the African lion. The fossilized whiskers also had a distinct internal structure in contrast to their modern relatives. These whiskers were more densely packed with nerve endings. These differences also suggest superior sensory capabilities. The follicular structure was similar to that of cold-climate mammals, with insulation around the base. All the findings suggest that it was a specialized predator, and not just a larger version of modern lions.