Redlands, CA - Horses and bison are well-known and well-loved emblems of the American west. But despite their popularity, there’s still much about them that we don’t know. How many species lived in North America during the Ice Ages?  How do the fossils relate to living animals?  What does ancient DNA tell us about these majestic creatures? Join Curator of Paleontology Eric Scott on Sunday, July 12 at 2pm for his lecture, “Horses and Bison: Evolving American Icons” at the San Bernardino County Museum to learn more about these animals.

Recent studies of DNA preserved in ancient fossils of both horses and bison have challenged traditional, anatomy-based views about how these animals lived and evolved during the Ice Ages, and these studies have important implications for managing these iconic animals today.

“These two classic American animals have thrilled our imaginations and warmed our hearts for generations,” said Scott. “Yet we’re still learning about their ancient history and their true place in North American ecology. We hear a lot lately based on studies of molecules and DNA data; but how do these studies relate to the fossil record?  How confident can we be in the resulting conclusions?” Scott’s lecture will provide an in-depth discussion about horses and bison, their evolution, and what happens at the juncture of fossils and molecules.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Effective July 1, admission fees will increase to $8 (adult) and $6 (senior); other fees will remain the same. Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.

Submitted to News about the Inland Empire -  Kamelyta Plimley, Marketing Assistant - San Bernardino County Museum