Ancient Land of Agate Fossil Beds | Wallpaper

Ancient Land of Agate Fossil Beds Wallpaper
This wallpaper shows the landscape of Agate National Monument, Nebraska—a land reflecting many players, including early animals roaming the valleys and hills, to tribal nations calling the High Plains home. (Image credit: National Park Service)

This wallpaper shows the landscape of Agate National Monument, Nebraska—a land reflecting many players, including early animals roaming the valleys and hills, to tribal nations calling the High Plains home, to explorers and ranchers passing through or settling in the American West. During the 1890s, scientists rediscovered what the Lakota Sioux already knew—bones preserved in one of the most complete Miocene mammal sites in the world.During the Miocene the land now known as Agate was a grass savannah comparable to today's Serengeti Plains in Africa. Twenty million years ago animals such as the Dinohyus (giant pig-like animal), Stenomylus (small gazelle-camel), and Menoceras (short rhinoceros) roamed the plains.

Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.