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
SR-71 Blackbird Fragment
Latest News
-
Sep 11, 2025 Vader’s Lightsaber Becomes the Most Expensive Star Wars Collectible! Read More -
Aug 28, 2025 Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight! Read More -
Aug 21, 2025 Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans! Read More -
Aug 19, 2025 Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy Read More -
Aug 14, 2025 Learn About Iron Age Mummy Tattoos! Read More -
Jul 29, 2025 Scientists Discover First Ever Ancient Roman Trilobite! Read More
Cool Things!
Vader’s Lightsaber Becomes the Most Expensive Star Wars Collectible!
Last Thursday, an auction set a new record for Star Wars memorabilia, when a screen-used prop of Darth Vader’s lightsaber sold for over $3.6 million.
Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight!
Of the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere, the mesosphere (the third layer from Earth’s surface) is a height at which traditional aircraft have, thus far, been unable to reach on their own power. Generally beginning about 154,000 feet above sea level, even the world record for highest aircraft altitude falls about 20,000 feet short. However, a newly developing technology may change this reality, and it involves aircraft that punch high above their weight.
Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans!
In studying early human ancestors, known as “hominids,” anthropologists have historically found much wider variations from specimen to specimen than expected, particularly among other paleontological fields. A recent study argues that certain groups of hominid fossils previously thought to be an already discovered species constitute a new one entirely.
Specimen Deep Dives
Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy
The Hollywood Sign: The Story of a City's Symbol Hollywoodland
Building Disneyland
Long Form Articles
The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers
While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.
Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.
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!