Boy Finds 2 Million-year-old Tooth From Elephant Ancestor on Beach Walk
An 11-year-old boy discovered an ancient Anancus arvernensis molar on East Lane beach in Bawdsey, Suffolk, on May 24. The four-inch-wide fossil, identified by Natural History Museum paleontologist Professor Adrian Lister, likely originated from the local red crag cliff formation and was exposed by coastal erosion.
Discovery Details
Charlie Orchard-Lisle found the object while walking the shoreline with his mother, Eleanor. The pair identified the item as distinct from surrounding rocks due to its unique texture and appearance. According to Eleanor Orchard-Lisle, the discovery occurred shortly after a conversation regarding her son’s interest in elephants.
The specimen is an upper left molar belonging to Anancus arvernensis, an extinct mammal that lived between 8.5 and 2 million years ago. This species was a six-ton relative of the modern African bush elephant, characterized by a shoulder height of approximately eight feet and straight, uncurved tusks.
Did You Know? The Anancus arvernensis was originally misclassified in 1828 as a Mastodon due to the physical characteristics of its tusks.
Geological Significance
The presence of this molar on the Suffolk coast highlights the ongoing impact of erosion on the region’s geological record. Professor Adrian Lister suggests the fossil was likely encased within the red crag cliffs at Bawdsey before being flushed out by the action of the sea. This process periodically reveals prehistoric remains that would otherwise remain buried within the cliff face.
Expert Insight: The discovery serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of coastal paleontology. As erosion continues to alter the coastline, the potential for further discoveries of Miocene and Pleistocene-era fossils in similar cliff-side environments remains a consistent, if unpredictable, possibility for beachgoers.
Potential Future Developments
Following this find, it is possible that local researchers may conduct further surveys of the Bawdsey shoreline to assess if other skeletal remains from the same specimen are present. Erosion is likely to continue exposing material from the red crag deposits, which could lead to additional fossil discoveries in the area. Amateur fossil hunters may also increase their presence on the beach, as high-profile finds often draw public attention to specific coastal sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Anancus arvernensis?
It is an extinct, six-ton relative of the African bush elephant that lived from the Late Miocene to the Early Pleistocene era.
How was the fossil identified?
An image of the tooth was submitted to Professor Adrian Lister, a research leader in paleontology at the Natural History Museum in London, who confirmed its origin.
Where was the tooth found?
The molar was found on the shoreline of East Lane beach in Bawdsey, a village in Suffolk, England.
What other prehistoric remnants might be hidden within the eroding cliffs of the Suffolk coastline?