What prehistoric treasures lie beneath Los Angeles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the discovery of prehistoric fossils beneath Los Angeles, particularly in relation to construction activities such as the Metro Purple Line extension. Participants express interest in the implications of these findings for understanding the region's geological and biological history.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the discovery of fossils dating back thousands of years during construction projects in Los Angeles, including remains of various Ice Age creatures.
  • There is a suggestion that builders should allow scientists to examine fossil finds, even if it causes delays in construction.
  • Participants mention the La Brea Tar Pits as a significant site for fossil discoveries in Los Angeles, with one participant sharing their experience of passing by the site without visiting the museum.
  • One participant expresses surprise at the richness of the fossil collection beneath Los Angeles, indicating a lack of prior knowledge about this aspect of the city's history.
  • Another participant reiterates the importance of reporting fossil finds and suggests that construction workers are instructed to move to different areas if fossils are discovered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express excitement about the fossil discoveries, but there is no consensus on the extent of knowledge regarding these findings or the processes involved in handling them during construction.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and opinions rather than established facts, and there is variability in participants' familiarity with the subject matter.

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Ever wonder what is under the ground you are walking on?
No, neither do I, usually.
But, if anything, at least a record of the history of the Earth lies under your feet.

Tunnels diggers in Los Angeles are finding fossils going back 1000's of years.
In this Aug. 15, 2017 photo, paleontologist Ashley Leger shows a skull of a young Columbian mammoth found at the construction site of the Metro Purple Line extension in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles subway system is expanding and so too are the number of prehistoric fossils being recovered as crews dig beneath the city. Since work on one extension began in 2014, workers have routinely turned up fossilized remains of rabbits, camels, bison and other creatures that roamed the region during the last Ice Age. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
https://phys.org/news/2017-12-subway-paleontology-la-unEarth's-fossil.html
 
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Pretty awesome! I hope the builders let the scientists peak about even if it slows them down.
 
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The La Brea Tar Pits are right in the center of L.A.= Los Angeles, and they have turned up many fossils: https://tarpits.org/la-brea-tar-pits I never went into the museum, but I did ride the Wilshire Boulevard bus right by the place quite a number of times.
 
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There was also a report this morning from CBS - heard the vocals on the local radio station carrying the CBS update of news of the week.
I would never have guessed that beneath Los Angeles there was such a rich collection of fossils.
I suppose I used the incorrect word - history without the pre-.
 
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Charles Link said:
The La Brea Tar Pits are right in the center of L.A.= Los Angeles, and they have turned up many fossils: https://tarpits.org/la-brea-tar-pits I never went into the museum, but I did ride the Wilshire Boulevard bus right by the place quite a number of times.
Close enough I suppose.:biggrin:
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Pretty awesome! I hope the builders let the scientists peak about even if it slows them down.
Apparently if the workers find something, they report the find, and move to work on an area farther removed.