Pleistocene hyaena tooth (Wells and Mendip Museum). Marine oxygen isotope record showing temperature change and global ice volume over 800,000 years. Paper cut-out hyaena by Sean Harris

Dr. Angharad Jones, curator at Creswell Crags Museum, has a PhD in the study of fossil hyaena evolution and behaviour and is part of the global research network. To achieve this distinction she studied under the tutelage of Danielle Schreve at Royal Holloway University, beginning by devising a scientific question that hadn’t been asked before, then attempting to answer it – and finally having her findings and conclusion scrutinised and then questioned by a group of experts in the field. 

This, essentially, is what happens in all science, where every piece of research is ‘peer reviewed’ – meaning that other expert researchers with relevant knowledge and experience consider and question it. In raw terms, they seek to pick holes in it. And if there aren’t any then the research – and its particular truth – must be strong within the context of what is known at that time. The process isn’t about advancing the career of the individual scientist; rather assuring the integrity of each piece of research as an individual building block within a global edifice comprising thousands and thousands of researchers; all of whom are subject to the same system of checks.

Angharad’s research question – her hypothesis – concerned hyaenas (ancient and modern) and specifically their responses to environmental changes. The Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta was present in our landscape for much of the Quaternary period – for over half a million years. It survived all manner of conditions both warm and cold and, of course, is still present in Africa where it is the most common large carnivore.

We tend to view the hyaena as a bit of a slinker, an evil beast, even though in truth it hunts as much as the lion – the so-called ‘King of the Beasts’ – which actually pinches carcasses as often as the hyaena does. However, we should perhaps rethink this stereotype and instead celebrate the hyaena as a highly adaptable – and because of this a very successful – species from which we could learn a great deal about how to survive.

Nevertheless Angharad’s research, undertaken over a period of four years, examined the size of hyaena bones and teeth in order to reconstruct body size and past diets (especially bone consumption). These findings along with data from the scientific literature were used to attempt to determine the possible causes of the hyaena’s disappearance from Europe. The fossil specimens which she studied in the course of this work are held in museum collections all over England and Wales – and beyond.

This shows us that whilst museums are undoubtedly places of wonder, they’re also really important as treasure houses – of knowledge relating to things, much of which we don’t yet know. And who can tell what or where the answers to future questions will come from? 

So; science and museums are all part of the same vital system which, as planet Earth comes under increasing pressure, has come to play a pivotal role in keeping the world – and us as part of it – ticking over. They are the engine and components in a vast Truth Machine which is constantly evolving – but which, being shaped by humans, can occasionally fall prey to human foibles if there aren’t safeguards in place. Modern science though has recognised this and evolved in response. And, of course, it will continue to do so, partly because it acknowledges that everything is always changing – but also because no one individual, in the pursuit of power or personal gain, can be allowed to corrupt its hard won Truth.