It’s Earth Science Week (October 13-19)
It’s Earth Science Week!
Wednesday: October 16: FOSSIL DAY
Did you know that California’s official state fossil is the Sabertoothed Cat? It’s an incredible piece of history that continues to fascinate both scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Here are some fun facts to help you get to know this famous feline fossil better:
Sabertoothed Cat: California’s State Fossil
Why the Sabertoothed Cat?
Technically the Smilodon californicus, this species is the most famous California Ice Age fossil. It was one of the last surviving members of a long ancestry of formidable felines called sabertoothed cats.
Those Famous Teeth
The sabertooths had extraordinarily long upper canines, which gave them their distinctive saber-like appearance. These teeth were used for stabbing and slicing prey.
In fact, the skull of the sabertoothed cat was very different from that of modern cats due to its specialized canines. It had a unique jaw structure allowing its mouth to open to almost a right angle—perfect for its hunting style.
Same Size as Today’s Lion, But a Very Different Hunter
Although the sabertoothed cat was about the same size as an African lion, it hunted in a completely different way. With powerful front limbs and a robust rib cage, it preyed on slow-moving giants like mammoths and ground sloths. Its specialized teeth and head muscles were perfect for taking down these large creatures.
Era of the Sabertoothed Cats
Sabertoothed cats roamed North America from around 40 to 35 million years ago until the close of the Pleistocene Epoch about 11,000 years ago. In California, fossilized remains are most abundant at the Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, where these mighty predators often met their end after hunting animals trapped in the sticky tar.
Extinction and Official State Fossil Designation
The extinction of the sabertoothed cat is likely tied to the decline of large prey species like mastodons. Smilodon californicus was officially designated as California’s state fossil in January 1974.
You can read the law as written in California Government Code 425.7.
Earth Science Week 2024
Earth Science Week has been celebrated annually since 1998, organized by the American Geosciences Institute to raise awareness of Earth sciences. This year’s theme is “Sustaining Our Planet’s Resources,” which emphasizes the importance of conserving Earth’s natural materials and managing them responsibly.
The Department of Conservation supports Earth science appreciation year-round, and this week is a great time to learn more about our programs.
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