Camels in Canada
Scientists recently have found the
bones of a camel in Nunavut, Canada. Nunavut is the farthest north Canadian
province and it is over 1,000 km farther north than scientists had ever thought
camels had lived in North America. The 30 leg-fossil fragments confirm the
theory that camels originated in North America over 45 million years ago,
although these fragments are only about 3.5 million years old. Scientists think
of this discovery as very important and influential because it provides the
first evidence that camels lived in the arctic region. Before this discovery it
was unknown but now scientists can assume that the flat feet, big eyes, and fat
layers on the modern camel are all adaptations from the many years the camel
spent in the arctic.
NoS
Themes
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Science is based on evidence
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Science is subject to debate and
tentative
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Role of curiosity
For more on this topic, go to
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130305131032.htm
For more on this topic, go to
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130305131032.htm
Sam Pahl
I think it very interesting that camels used to live north of us. one other nature of science theme that I saw was the role of chance because it was just chance that the bones were discovered. The flat feet are useful in the winter because they allow the camel to walk on snow very well. The hump was also used in the north because the hump stores fat which can help a camel survive the cold winter. Big eyes help to see in low light which could be helpful in dark winters in the forest.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/122539-Giant-Camels-Once-Roamed-Ancient-Arctic
I think that It is very unusual and intriguing that camel remains were found in Canada. I also think that the NOS theme role of curiosity and science is based on evidence were chosen well and suit your article very well.
ReplyDeleteObviously, camels are no longer found in Canada so is this the result of some sort of continental shift? I just read this really cool article about Pangea that may explain the phenomenon. When Pangea existed, Modern day Middle East and Asia were linked very close to present day Canada. This may explain how Camels survived in Canada back then, and continue to survive in Asia today. Check out the Article
ReplyDeletehttp://geology.com/pangea.htm