Digital reconstruction of dwarf hippopotamus skull from Crete reveals evolutionary insights

Researchers have digitally reconstructed the skull of the dwarf hippopotamus, Hippopotamus creutzburgi, from Crete, using advanced 3D imaging techniques. This marks the first complete visual representation of the species, which lived during the Pleistocene epoch. The project, led by Nikolaos Gerakakis and Professor Dimitrios Makris, utilized four fossil fragments to create an anatomically accurate model. The reconstruction highlights the unique adaptations of the species to its isolated island environment. The reconstructed skull will help model a full skeleton and will be displayed at the Katharó Plateau. Ongoing research will explore the reasons behind the species' extinction, including environmental changes and competition with other animals.