After being discovered almost 50 years ago during the building of Islington subway station, a long-hidden fossil has finally revealed its secrets thanks to a recent study.
Researchers from Trent University, in collaboration with the Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Alberta Museum, have identified a connection between the fossil and two deer species commonly found throughout North America.
According to Aaron Schafer, an associate professor at Trent University involved in the study, further analysis indicated that the fossil is most closely related to whitetail and mule deer, suggesting it represents a distinct species that diverged approximately 3 million years ago.
The fossil, known as Torontoceros hypogaeus or “horned Toronto deer from underground,” is estimated to be nearly 12,000 years old and is considered a rare specimen shedding light on ancient life.
Describing the fossil’s habitat, Oliver Haddrath, a collections technician at the Royal Ontario Museum, noted that it appears to have been suited for a more expansive, tundra-like environment compared to the forested landscapes seen in recent centuries.
Looking ahead, Schafer expressed the researchers’ interest in unraveling the factors that led to the extinction of this species.
He suggested, “Climate likely played a role, and it’s possible that a dwindling population accumulated genetic issues hindering its ability to adapt.”
Although the fossil has been in the possession of the Royal Ontario Museum since its discovery, Haddrath explained that technological limitations in the past hindered the identification process.
With the advent of a DNA laboratory, Haddrath emphasized the newfound ability to address previously unanswerable questions by examining ancient samples and placing them within their evolutionary lineage.
While the gallery showcasing the fossil at the Royal Ontario Museum is presently undergoing renovations, once it reopens, Torontoceros hypogaeus will be accessible for public viewing.
