Cave art from the Ice Age has helped solve the mysterious origins of Europe's largest land mammal.
The modern European bison, now found only in protected reserves, once roamed widely on the continent.
Studies of ancient DNA show the bison arose from interbreeding between the extinct steppe bison and the aurochs, about 120,000 years ago.
The scientific evidence was confirmed by cave paintings that depict features such as horns and humps.
"When we asked, French cave researchers told us that there were indeed two distinct forms of bison art in Ice Age caves, and it turns out their ages match those of the different species," said Dr Julien Soubrier, from the University of Adelaide.
"We'd never have guessed the cave artists had helpfully painted pictures of both species for us."read more
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