In the early 19th century, when large fossilized bones were discovered, scientists struggled to reinterpret these findings in terms of existing species. They believed that extinction was an impossibility, a concept tied to the belief that God would not allow any of His creations to fade away. This limited the understanding of the fossil evidence, leading to the assumption that the bones represented some oversized version of current animals.

As research progressed, it became apparent that the initial perceptions were flawed. Eventually, it was recognized that these fossils belonged to species that had indeed gone extinct, challenging previous theological views and reshaping the scientific approach to paleontology. This shift in understanding paved the way for greater acceptance of extinction as a natural part of the evolutionary process.