The Ice Age in Wisconsin
Retreating Glaciers Diminish Unique Species
by Leo Samson-Samuel, age 10
Fifty
thousand years ago, in a time called the Ice Age, glaciers covering
Madison reached heights equal to five Wisconsin state capitol
buildings on top of each other. However, rising temperatures
following this period caused the glaciers to shift and create holes
in the land. Ultimately, these holes filled with water and became
what are now known as Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa.
The
end of the Ice Age did more than create lakes in Wisconsin. In fact,
rising temperatures also caused the extinction of many fascinating
animal species. For example, one such species that roamed the globe
prior to the end of the Ice Age was the saber-toothed tiger. Weighing
approximately 440 pounds, the saber-toothed tiger was larger than a
modern lion. As their name suggests, saber-toothed tigers are also
remembered for their extremely long canine teeth.
An
additional animal rendered obsolete by the warm period following the
Ice Age was the giant beaver. One of the largest rodents ever to
exist, the giant beaver—like the saber-toothed tiger—had
remarkably long teeth. Specifically, their front incisors grew to
approximately six inches.
While
some are glad temperatures rose and brought an end to the freezing
Ice Age, others might wish that the species prominent during this
time still existed today.
[Source:
Simpson Street Free Press
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