Discovering a 16th Century Ecosystem
Above: A scene from "The Hunting Book of Gaston Phoebus, Count of Foix, Lord of Béarn", 14th century
The next time you notice something interesting, make sure to write it down. Why? Because it may come in handy 500 years later! A sixteenth century ecological survey commissioned by the then king of Spain has been used to reveal a vivid snapshot of the natural world of the era.
From 1574 to 1582, King Philip II sent surveyors across his territory, interviewing villagers on the local animal and plant life. These questions were designed by Phillip II in order for him to better understand just what exactly his kingdom looked like. But what might otherwise be a simple curiosity of history now provides an invaluable tool in tracing the evolutionary history of the region.
By using this survey, scientists have been able to chart the area’s climate based on the shifting migrations of certain animals that appear in the survey but now live in other areas, such as the movement out of central Spain of the Iberian wolf. Some other animals that are extinct today appear within Philip’s record, shedding light on the animals’ disappearance. There's even some basic data on the change in climate from the 1500s to today!
Normally, scientists rely on geologic and chemical data to learn about the past, but thanks to this record they had first hand accounts to build on. This study’s unique approach presented a series of roadblocks–from contending with past mistranslation, to parsing the villager’s colloquialism. But it’s also an instance of the resourcefulness of scientists in understanding the past, using an historical artifact in a way its authors never would’ve imagined.
Check out more about the record and the study around it here!
Featured Product
Roman Arrowhead - Pocket Specimen
Latest News
-
Apr 18, 2025 Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh! Read More -
Apr 09, 2025 Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype? Read More -
Apr 07, 2025 What was dinosaur armor used for? New fossils help scientists find out! Read More
Cool Things!
Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat!
One hundred years after its discovery, scientists have captured the elusive colossal squid on film in its natural habitat. The juvenile squid was found around 2,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands. Measuring about one foot long, it drifts through the sea with translucent skin, pearly eyes and colorful tentacles.
Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh!
Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype?
Specimen Deep Dives
Returning to the Moon: The Apollo 14 Mission
The Secrets of the Space Shuttle: Learn about Mini Museum's Shuttle Tile Material!
Gondwana: When the Earth Was One
Long Form Articles
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!
Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection!
So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!
Top 10 Most Incredible Dinosaur Fossils Ever Discovered!
Dinosaur fossils have captured the popular imagination for decades. The giant, bizarre creatures that traversed the Earth far before the dawn of human civilization are the subject of countless exhibits, movies, books and television shows. Here is a countdown of 10 of the most significant and incredible fossils ever discovered!