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ULTRA RARE COMPLETE METACARPAL BONE FROM AN EXTINCT EUROPEAN RHINOCEROS Interglacial Gravel Pit Deposit - Great Britain PLEISTOCENE PERIOD (IPSWICHIAN): 110,000 years ago For the first time we have ever seen such rare fossils offered, this could very well be for most collectors, a once-in-lifetime chance to own fossils of an uncommon Pleistocene rhinoceros of Europe that lived during the second interglacial period. This is a fossil metacarpal forefoot bone from the extinct European Soft Nose Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus hemitoechus. This is the middle carpal bone (M/C3). It is in perfect preservation with all joints and articulating surfaces so intact and dense, that this fossil bone is truly impossible to improve on or wish for better! Color is natural and bone is 100% complete and natural. Entire specimen is INTACT and with NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION. Due to the rarity of such a fossil and our doubts we will have any more ever to offer, we have forgone setting up a separate section and have included this specimen amongst the Woolly Rhino category as they are in the same family. Not much is known about this extinct European rhino. This beast was robust and similar in size to the Woolly Rhinoceros but lacked the thick fur. Fossil remains are very limited. We know these creatures were hunted by primitive humans. Fragmentary remains have been found in some cave deposits in Europe along with primitive human fossil teeth of Neanderthals and from an earlier period, Acheulian and Clactonian tools. Like the Woolly Rhinoceros and Cave Bear, it is probable that Dicerorhinus hemitoechus was revered and worshipped based on the strength and fierceness of such a beast and the related difficulty and danger that was involved in killing one. The eventual extinction of Dicerorhinus hemitoechus is believed to have been caused by their inability to cope with the climate that marked the close of the second interglacial period and the following colder climate which was better survived by the Woolly rhinoceros. Today, the family Rhinocerotidae contains only five living species in the wild, two in Africa and three throughout Asia. All but the Sumatran rhinoceros are virtually hairless except for the tip of the tail and a fringe on the ears. The Sumatran rhinoceros is thought to have been stranded on the island of Sumatra during the retreat of the last ice sheet. This amazing animal is covered with a fairly dense coat of hair and is believed to be the closest living relative of the Woolly rhinoceros. RARE, RARE FOSSIL FROM AN ANIMAL LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT - PERFECT IN EVERY WAY AND INTACT! 5.8" in length SOLD LM12-019 Actual Item - One Only |
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