Giant Bears of Ancient Portugal Shrunk Over Millennia, Possibly Due to Human Influence
A study reveals that the giant brown bears of ancient Portugal, weighing around 385 kg, may have shrunk over thousands of years, potentially due to human activities.
About 22,000 years ago, giant brown bears roamed what is now Portugal, weighing approximately 385 kg (850 pounds). These bears were among the largest ever recorded, surpassing even today's largest brown bears.
Recent research indicates that these ancient giants experienced a significant reduction in size over thousands of years. The study suggests that human activities may have played a role in this evolutionary change.
Understanding the factors that contributed to the size reduction of these bears can provide insights into the impact of humans on wildlife and ecosystems throughout history.