Ep 13. Ice Age Death Trap

NOVA season 39 episode 13, titled "Ice Age Death Trap," explores the discovery of a massive fossil graveyard in Colorado that has posed many questions for scientists about the extinction of North America's megafauna at the end of the last Ice Age.

The episode begins with a team of researchers excavating at what they call the "Snowmastodon site" in Colorado. Here, they have uncovered the bones of over 60 mammoths, as well as other massive creatures like mastodons, ground sloths, and short-faced bears. The scale of the excavation is massive, with multiple teams digging at different levels, but the researchers are determined to learn as much as they can about what happened to these animals over 10,000 years ago.

As the researchers begin to analyze the bones and other clues they've discovered, they realize that these animals did not all die at the same time. Instead, they think that the site was used by different groups of megafauna over many centuries as a place to get water and maybe even give birth. But they also find evidence that suggests all of the animals died in a relatively short period of time, leading to possible theories including a catastrophic event like a drought or an environmental shift.

The scientists also examine the teeth of the animals and see clear signs of bone growth stunting, suggesting that they were under intense environmental stress leading up to their deaths. They also note that many of the animals appear to have been scavenged by other predators, potentially further complicating the story of their demise.

As the scientists continue to analyze the data, they make some surprising discoveries. For example, they find that the first humans to arrive in North America may have been here thousands of years earlier than previously thought, based on a stone tool they uncovered near the site. They also discover a tooth from a canid that doesn't match any known species, leading to new questions about the biodiversity of the time.

Throughout the episode, the researchers use various technologies to help them examine the bones and make sense of what they're seeing. They use CT scans to get detailed images of the inside of the bones, which can help them identify injuries and diseases, and they also use 3D imaging to create models of the site.

As the episode comes to a close, the researchers reflect on what they've learned and what mysteries remain. They know that the megafauna went extinct, but they still don't understand exactly how or why. They also acknowledge that there's much more work to be done to fully uncover the secrets of the Snowmastodon site and other sites like it. Ultimately, the episode leaves viewers with a sense of wonder at the complexity of the Ice Age world and the dedication of the scientists working to unravel its secrets.

Overall, NOVA season 39 episode 13, "Ice Age Death Trap," offers a fascinating look at one of the most important fossil discoveries of recent years and the ongoing quest to understand our planet's complex past. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just someone who loves a good mystery, this episode is sure to captivate your interest and leave you thinking about the wonders of the natural world.