Bison antiquus, Leidy, 1852
publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.26879/1191 |
persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BD87C3-FFE1-FF9D-5AFA-FA62FE1FA54C |
treatment provided by |
Felipe |
scientific name |
Bison antiquus |
status |
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( Figure 7 View FIGURE 7 )
Appearance. Morphological and genetic data suggest the modern plains bison ( Bison bison ) evolved directly from the ancient bison around 10,000 14 C BP so the two species were likely very similar in appearance and behavior except for the earlier species being larger ( McDonald, J.N. and Lammers, 2002; Shapiro et al., 2004; Wilson et al., 2008). We followed McDonald (1981) who undertook a detailed reconstruction of several North American fossil bison species. Considering life history and appearance patterns common in extant ungulates, he suggested that the ancient bison would have had a much-reduced bonnet and pantaloons (shaggy hair covering the head and front legs) compared to extant plains bison ( Figure 7 View FIGURE 7 ).
Behavior. The large number of ancient bison bones found in the Tar Pits, as well as Paleoindian kill sites, suggest the species lived in large herds numbering in the hundreds of individuals (Stock, 1930; Ben Wheat et al., 1972). Although we never displayed herds this size due to computational constraints, we did show the ancient bison in small groups of conspecifics in our AR experiences.
DAVIS ET AL.: LA BREA TAR PITS PALEOART
Western Camel
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