Ancient Elephant Tracks Discovered

Scientists have discovered ancient elephant tracks in the desert of the United Arab Emirates.  They consist of at least 14 different individual's prints, with each print measuring about 40 centimeters wide. These tracks were made roughly six to eight million years ago and still remain preserved in the desert's sand. They are the longest continuous fossil tracks ever found and recorded to this date. Scientists believe that these tracks most likely belong to the extinct species Stegotetrabelodon syrticus. This species was a four-tusked animal similar to today’s elephants. The tracks are said to suggest that the ancient elephants were solitary mammals, similar to today’s elephants. With continuing research, more information could be revealed that relates to the way these ancient elephants lived and how they relate to today's elephants. 

This story appealed to me because I found it interesting that they had discovered the longest continuous fossil tracks in history. Also, these findings could give clues to the evolution of elephants and can help us understand their ancestors. The discovery of these tracks could just be the beginning, allowing researchers to uncover information that demonstrate how elephants evolved from their ancestors.