Based on the newly discovered skeleton of the woolly rhinoceros, experts have calculated the water temperature in England 42,000 years ago.
Researchers from Royal Holloway, University of London, have found that the temperature in the land of fog was much lower than today. During summer, temperatures reached around 10 degrees Celsius, while in winter, they plummeted to -22 degrees Celsius.
The best specimen of the woolly rhinoceros discovered in England – (Photo: Quaternary Science)
Thus, during that time, England resembled a frozen tundra similar to the Arctic, where no trees could grow.
According to a report in the journal Quaternary Science, the lead researcher, Professor Danielle Schreve, stated that his team reached this conclusion after studying the skeleton of the woolly rhinoceros, which was found in 2002 in Staffordshire, England.
The bones were in perfect condition when discovered and represent the best specimen of the woolly rhinoceros in England this century.
A total of 33 separate parts of the rhinoceros were found, including a complete skull and lower jaw, some vertebrae, ribs, and major parts of the forelimbs.