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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Early Humans, Early Victims?


In the Djurab desert of central Africa, scientists have discovered two new species of saber-toothed tigers. In this same region, scientists have also found fossils of a 6.5 to 7.5 million year old human-like, chimp-like human ancestor. The region is believed to once been a forested, lake shore that was home to other creatures such as horses, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, turtles, rodents, giraffes, snakes, pigs, mongooses, foxes, hyenas, badgers and antelopes. Scientists had already known a larger saber-toothed tiger once lived in this region as well weighing over 1,000 pounds (compare to today's tiger which weighs around 600 pounds).

One scientists was quoted for saying he was amazed at finding three different species of saber-toothed tigers in one region indicating the prey must have been numerous.

Finding fossils of early human ancestors with fossils of saber-toothed tigers in similar fossil beds enough to argue that these early human ancestors would have been prey to these tigers? Defend your view. Also, consider what evidence one would expect to find if this were a real possibility.

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