For close to five decades, a mysterious fossil discovered during the building of Islington subway station has kept its secrets hidden, until now. A recent study conducted by Trent University, in collaboration with the Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Alberta Museum, has uncovered a connection between the fossil and two deer species prevalent in North America.
Associate professor Aaron Schafer from Trent University, involved in the research, revealed that after thorough analysis, it was determined that the fossil shares the closest relation to whitetail and mule deer. However, it is believed to be a unique species that diverged approximately 3,000,000 years ago.
Named as ‘Torontoceros hypogaeus’ or the “horned Toronto deer from underground” by scientists, this fossil is estimated to be almost 12,000 years old. It offers valuable insights into the past environment. According to Oliver Haddrath, a collections technician at the Royal Ontario Museum, the deer seemed adapted to a wider, more open terrain compared to the forested areas of recent centuries, possibly indicating a more tundra-like landscape back then.
Looking ahead, researchers aim to delve deeper into the reasons behind the species’ extinction. Schafer pointed out that climate and genetic factors might have played a role in their demise. The technology available today, particularly the DNA lab, has enabled scientists to answer questions previously deemed unanswerable, allowing the placement of ancient samples into their family tree.
Despite facing challenges in identifying its origins due to technological limitations, the ROM has possessed the fossil since its discovery. The fossil will soon be displayed at the ROM once the gallery renovation is complete, offering visitors a glimpse into the intriguing history of the ‘Torontoceros hypogaeus.’