The common explanation is that when big herbivores like mammoths got stuck in the asphalt, they would have looked like an easy meal to predators—who would then become stuck in the tar themselves. Why ? The rest of the time, science is happening. The first excavations at the tar pits began in the early 20th century, and if you visit today, you're still likely to see scientists preserving bones or digging in the asphalt. Still, people often don't realize that it's a place for active scientific research, as the tar pits lie in the middle of Los Angeles, a city synonymous with the entertainment industry.
Emily Lindsey, assistant curator at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, tells Mental Floss that this has led to some confusion on the part of visitors, who "think sometimes the excavators are actors, or part of an art exhibit, or robots.
After the paleontologists at La Brea have convinced you they aren't robots, they'll be quick to clear up another misconception: They don't dig up dinosaurs. Although, technically, they do.
Yes, birds are dinosaurs. Most of the fossils at La Brea date from 11, to 50, years ago—about 65 million years after dinosaurs went extinct. Sticky asphalt is a pain to clean off the bones, but it also keeps them in pristine condition. This means scientists can look at features as subtle as the markings on carnivore teeth.
One study in looked at microscopic patterns on the teeth of five species of big cats found at La Brea. The researchers concluded that the mountain lion was the only one to survive into the present because it wasn't a picky eater, and could survive changes in its food supply.
The big, extinct megafauna might soak up all the attention at La Brea, but paleontologists at the site have also recovered paper-thin fossils of pollen, bees, plant matter, insects, and other tiny organisms. Something like an insect has a much more narrow range. This is important because the presence of smaller organisms can relay more specific information about the ecosystem. And because La Brea has such a long record of fossils, scientists can track how those ecosystems changed—or didn't—over time.
For instance, one recent study of beetle fossils in the tar pits suggests that the climate of southern California has been relatively stable over the past 50, years. Yes, L. A decade ago, scientists discovered about species of microorganisms living in the asphalt with no water, little to no oxygen, and a heavy dose of toxic chemicals.
Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply Face masks are recommended There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine. This information is compiled from official sources.
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