Cave Bear Molar Crown

This Cave bear tooth fossil from Romania is a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world. This tooth belongs to Ursus spelaeus, the extinct cave bear species that once roamed Europe during the Pleistocene era.

The enamel on the tooth's surface often displays a unique combination of colors, ranging from beige to dark brown, depending on the mineralization process and the sediment it was buried in. The distinct cusps and ridges on the tooth's crown aided the cave bear in tearing and chewing tough vegetation, as well as scavenging for meat.

As a relic from an ancient era, the cave bear teeth are helping us piece together the natural history and ecological dynamics of Europe during the Ice Age.