LA Before the Kardashians: A Pre-Human Paradise?
Let's rewind the clock a few million years, shall we? Before the Kardashians, before the smog, before the traffic, there was... well, nothing. Or, at least, nothing human-made. Welcome to the pre-historic LA, a place where the only Kardashians were probably some sort of prehistoric bird species.
Underwater Wonderland
Believe it or not, the City of Angels was once under the sea. Yep, you read that right. Where now stands the Hollywood sign, there was once a thriving underwater ecosystem. Imagine that: instead of paparazzi, there were probably some pretty cool sea creatures snapping pics. No, really, there were. Fossilized evidence suggests a variety of marine life called for this area to be their home sweet home. We're talking about a time when the only "star" was a starfish.
A Land Transformed
Fast forward a few million years (and a whole lot of tectonic plate shuffling), and the ocean retreated, leaving behind a lush, green landscape. Think rolling hills, meandering rivers, and probably a few more Kardashians (just kidding). This was a land of plenty, perfect for megafauna – those giant, prehistoric animals that would make even the biggest SUV look small. Mammoths, saber-tooth tigers, and giant sloths were probably chilling in what's now Beverly Hills. Can you imagine running into a mammoth while trying to find a parking spot?
Nature's Masterpiece
Before humans came along and started building concrete jungles, LA was a masterpiece of natural beauty. The San Gabriel Mountains were even more majestic, the Pacific Ocean was crystal clear, and the air was probably, you know, fresh. It's a far cry from the city we know today. But hey, at least we have In-N-Out.
So, what can we learn from this prehistoric paradise? Well, for one, nature is pretty amazing. And two, we humans have made some pretty drastic changes to the planet. It's up to us to be good stewards of the Earth and try to restore some of that natural beauty. And maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to bring back the mammoths. For science.
How to Become a Prehistoric LA Expert
- How to imagine mammoths on Rodeo Drive: Use your imagination (and maybe a time machine if you can find one).
- How to appreciate the natural world: Take a hike, go to the beach, or just look up at the sky.
- How to reduce your carbon footprint: Start small, like recycling and using less water. Every little bit helps.
- How to avoid becoming a prehistoric snack: Don't mess with time travel.
- How to enjoy LA: Despite its flaws, LA still has a lot to offer. Explore, enjoy, and appreciate it for what it is.
