The tusk of a Colombian mammoth was found by researchers in an unlikely place. The scientists discovered the remarkably well-preserved tusk some 185 miles off the coast of California at a depth of close to 10, 000 feet. The team estimated that the tusk was well over 100,000 years old and belonged to a female.
Marine Biologist Steven Haddock and Submersible Pilot Randy Prickett Found the Mammoth Tusk In 2019
According to marine biologist Steven Haddock, one should expect the unexpected when exploring the deep sea. He also stated that he was shocked by the discovery of the ancient mammoth tusk. In 2019, Haddock, together with submersible pilot Randy Prickett, was scanning the ocean off the California coast with a remotely operated vehicle and came across a strange object which turned out to be an actual mammoth tusk. Back then, the pair could not collect the object but took a small sample. From the recovered fragment, researchers determined that the object was indeed a tusk from a female mammoth.
Haddock, Prickett, and a Full Team of Experts Recovered the Entire Mammoth Tusk from the Ocean’s Floor
While researchers were unable to confirm the age of the mammoth or pinpoint the exact species when its tusk was first discovered, all that changed this year when Haddock and Prickett went back to the site with a full team of genomics experts and paleontologists. This time, they recovered the entire tusk with the help of their ROV’s robotic arm. The tusk was coated in a thick, black, iron-manganese crust that deposited naturally over the years and was very well-preserved due to the combination of high pressure and very cold water. These conditions kept the tusk in a relatively pristine condition.
Thanks to the exquisite preservation of the tusk, scientists were able to get DNA from its inner tissue and determine the mammoth’s sex, age, species, and the geographic range it inhabited during its lifetime. Such discoveries show how similar discoveries may await on the ocean floor for those who want to look there. According to Haddock, the ocean floor is a really unique, underexplored, and underappreciated environment that has the value of being undisturbed.
SNL Has Honored Comedian Norm MacDonald After His Recent Passing
Norm MacDonald was one of the most iconic and beloved comedians to ever perform on Saturday Night Live. Some of his best performances were as an anchor on SNL’s Weekend Update segment and his great impersonations of Larry King and Burt Reynolds. To honor the comedian’s recent passing, the SNL crew has shared a video on social media with MacDonald’s best impersonations and most memorable lines.
Norm MacDonald Was One of the Most Emblematic Comedians to Ever Perform During the 46 Seasons of SNL
MacDonald was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1993 to 1998. He became synonymous with the role of the Weekend Update’s anchor as he led the segment for three seasons. Norm MacDonald passed away at the age of 61 after losing his battle with cancer. The current Weekend Update anchor, Colin Jost, pointed out that MacDonald was his biggest influence for the role.
As the World Mourns the Passing of Norm MacDonald, the SNL Crew Has Paid Their Respects
SNL producer and creator Lorne Michaels came out with the official statement addressing the death of the beloved comedian. He posted his pain-ridden words on social media, together with the video highlighting the unforgettable performances of the comedian. Michaels stated that it was a sad day for all of the crew at SNL who mourned the loss of Norm Macdonald. He continued to point out MacDonald’s role as one of the most impactful comedic voices of his and any other generation, praising the late comedian’s unflinching integrity, generosity, and consistent ability to surprise. Michaels ended the statement by simply stating that above all else, Norm was just plain funny, and no one was quite like him.
Norm MacDonald did many sketches during his time at SNL, and one of his most iconic routines was his impersonation of Burt Reynolds during the Celebrity Jeopardy! – segment. Norm was so popular for this performance that he did the impersonation many times and reprised the role on SNL’s 40th-anniversary special. In the shoes of Burt Reynolds and the Weekend Update‘s anchor, MacDonald has said many everlasting lines, poking fun at the Oscars, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donald Trump, and others.