Ancient Greek Pygmy Hippo Skull Reconstructed: A Digital Breakthrough
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In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers Nikolaos Gerakakis and Professor dimitrios Makris have digitally reconstructed the skull of an extinct pygmy hippopotamus, Hippopotamus creutzburgi, that once inhabited the Greek island of Crete. This remarkable feat, accomplished using advanced 3D digital imaging techniques, marks the first complete reconstruction of this species’ skull, offering invaluable insights into its anatomy and evolutionary history.
Their findings, published in Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, shed light on a engaging chapter of prehistoric life. The Pleistocene epoch saw the genus Hippopotamus spread across various islands,including Cyprus,Madagascar,Malta,Sicily,and Crete. H. creutzburgi represents one such island-dwelling species.
According to Gerakakis, “Hippopotamus creutzburgi lived on Crete during the early and early Middle Pleistocene. During the cold phase of the Pleistocene, sea levels were much lower and the geography of the Aegean sea, influenced by tectonics, was narrower than today.” He further explained the likely migration: “it is hypothesized that a herd of H. antiquus, the ancestor of H. creutzburgi, traveled from the Peloponnese, where fossil remains of H. antiquus were found, to Crete.”
The researchers explored the intriguing question of how these hippos made the journey. “Hippos do not float in fresh water; during locomotion,they maintain contact with the ground,usually with only one foot at a time,and experience long distances without support. This behavior indicates that their specific gravity is slightly greater than the specific gravity of hippos in fresh water. however, in salt water, they may float,” Gerakakis noted. He added, “Young hippos, which are an meaningful part of hippo herds, may have a higher survival rate than adult hippos if they are swept out to sea, potentially allowing them to establish a viable population on Crete.”
Once established on Crete,the ancestors of H. creutzburgi underwent a size reduction, a phenomenon known as the “island rule,” where large animals tend to shrink on islands. H. creutzburgi persisted on the island until its extinction, the precise cause of which remains a mystery. Gerakakis commented, “Regarding its extinction, there are several hypotheses, including a physical disaster, another cold weather event, disease, lack of food, or competition with deer that arrived on Crete in the late middle and late Pleistocene. Ongoing research aims to find out the exact cause.”
The Katharó plateau in Crete is a treasure trove of fossils, but many are poorly preserved, making reconstruction challenging. The fragmented nature of the H.creutzburgi fossils, with no complete skull ever found, made this digital reconstruction a significant scientific breakthrough. Using four fossil remains excavated between 1998 and 2002, Gerakakis and Professor Makris overcame these obstacles, providing a detailed and accurate representation of this ancient creature.
Ancient Cretan Hippo Skull Digitally Reconstructed
A team of researchers has successfully digitally reconstructed the skull of Hippopotamus creutzburgi, an extinct pygmy hippopotamus species from Crete, using innovative 3D modeling techniques. This groundbreaking work sheds new light on the morphology and evolutionary relationships of this fascinating ancient creature.
The project, led by researchers at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, utilized a photogrammetric approach and advanced software to overcome the challenges posed by the fragmented and distorted nature of the original fossil remains.Nikolaos Gerakakis, a key member of the research team, explained the methodology: “For the flattened skull, we used a virtual approach in Blender (computer graphics software) that would be detrimental if applied to a real specimen. The skull was segmented into several parts, which were anatomically changed in position.”
The team adapted and expanded upon existing retrodeformation methodologies,developing a unique “spider-like” exoskeleton system with 23 supports to precisely reconstruct the skull’s original shape. Gerakakis further detailed the process: “As a guide, we adapted the retrodeformation methodology of De Vries et al. (2022), which uses the Blender frame system. However, the complexity and extensive jaw deformation forced us to innovate further.We designed a ‘spider-like’ exoskeleton with 23 armors, which allows for precise retrodeformation. Distortion-free standard samples serve as a reference throughout the process.”
By combining this innovative technique with a modern hippopotamus skull model, the researchers were able to complete the digital reconstruction of the entire H. creutzburgi skull. Their findings indicate that the morphology of H. creutzburgi shares similarities with both the African hippopotamus (H. antiquus) and the Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus. Its size is estimated to be comparable to that of a young male Malagasy pygmy hippo or African hippopotamus.
the implications of this research extend beyond academic circles. The team envisions using 3D-printed versions of the reconstructed skull for museum exhibitions, including future displays planned for the Katharó Plateau in Crete. Furthermore, a complete skeletal reconstruction of H. creutzburgi is nearing completion. Gerakakis noted: “Most of the skeletal elements of H.creutzburgi have been discovered, even though vertebrae and ribs are relatively rare. Digital reconstruction of the entire skeleton has been completed. The Laboratory of Vertebrate Paleontology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens made a physical reconstruction of the entire skeleton, based on a digital model, with the help of two conservators (Prof. George Lyras, Nikolaos Gerakakis, Maria Tsanidou and Konstantina Kouveli).”
This research, published in Digital Applications in archaeology and Cultural Heritage, represents a significant advancement in paleontological research, demonstrating the power of digital techniques to unlock the secrets of our planet’s ancient past. The study’s findings offer valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of hippopotamuses and contribute to a deeper understanding of the prehistoric fauna of Crete.
Further facts: Nikolaos Gerakakis et al, Digital reconstruction of the lamellar skull: the case of Hippopotamus creutzburgi, digital applications in archeology and cultural heritage (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.dach.2024.e00379
Ancient Cretan Hippo Skull Digitally Reconstructed: An Interview with Dr. Nikolaos Gerakakis
Delving into the Past:
The recent groundbreaking digital reconstruction of Hippopotamus creutzburgi, an extinct pygmy hippopotamus species from the island of Crete, offers a rare glimpse into the island’s prehistoric fauna. To discuss this interesting finding and its implications, we sat down with Dr. Nikolaos Gerakakis, a leading researcher on the project at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
World Today News: Dr. Gerakakis, thank you for joining us today. Could you tell us a bit about Hippopotamus creutzburgi and what makes its discovery so meaningful?
Dr. Gerakakis: Certainly! Hippopotamus creutzburgi was a smaller relative of the common hippopotamus that inhabited Crete during the early and early middle Pleistocene epochs. Its discovery is significant as it provides us with valuable insights into the evolution and dispersal of hippos during a period of significant climate change.
World Today News: How were you able to reconstruct the skull digitally? What challenges did you face,and what techniques did you employ?
Dr. Gerakakis: The fossilized remains of H. creutzburgi found on Crete were fragmented and incomplete, presenting a major challenge. We utilized photogrammetry and advanced 3D modeling software, meticulously piecing together digital images of the fossil fragments to create a virtual 3D model. A virtual approach allowed us to manipulate the fragments in ways that wouldn’t be possible with the fragile originals.
World Today News:
The idea of hippos migrating to an island like Crete is certainly intriguing. What are the prevailing theories on how this might have happened?
Dr.Gerakakis: It’s hypothesized that during periods of lower sea levels, a herd of H. antiquus, the ancestor of H. creutzburgi, crossed from the peloponnese to Crete.
Intriguingly, young hippos tend to float better in saltwater than adults, suggesting a possible survival mechanism for their long-distance journey.
World Today News:
Can you shed light on the reasons behind H.creutzburgi’s extinction?
Dr. Gerakakis: The exact cause of their extinction remains a mystery, but several hypotheses are being investigated. These include environmental changes stemming from a cataclysmic event, a cooling period, disease, scarcity of food, or competition with other herbivores that arrived on the island.
world Today News:
This research has undoubtedly opened many doors for future studies. What are your plans for further investigation into H. creutzburgi?
Mirror-
Dr. Gerakakis:
We are continuing to analyze the fossils and utilize advanced dating techniques to refine our understanding of H. creutzburgi‘s timeline.
We also hope to uncover more fossil remains that shed light on its behavior and ecology. Additionally, we are exploring the broader picture of how island environments shaped the evolution of different species, including other
Crete’s unique prehistoric fauna.
world Today News:
Thank you, Dr. Gerakakis, for sharing your expertise and insights with our readers.
Your research is truly illuminating our understanding of ancient life and the fascinating interplay between geography, climate, and evolution.
