The La Brea Tar Pits (or Rancho La Brea Tar Pits) are a famous cluster of tar pits. Tar (brea in Spanish) has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years. The tar is often covered with water. Over many centuries, animals that came to drink the water fell in, sank in the tar, and were preserved as bones.
Among the prehistoric species associated with the La Brea Tar Pits are mammoths, dire wolves, short-faced bears, ground sloths, and the state fossil of California the saber-toothed cat. Only one human has ever been found, a partial skeleton of a woman dated at approximately 9,000 BP.
Among the prehistoric species associated with the La Brea Tar Pits are mammoths, dire wolves, short-faced bears, ground sloths, and the state fossil of California the saber-toothed cat. Only one human has ever been found, a partial skeleton of a woman dated at approximately 9,000 BP.
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I have always wanted to go there! Ever since I was in 3rd grade and saw an artistic depiction of it, I've wanted to visit those tar pits!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep this in mind when we finally make it to the West Coast! Great pics!
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