Identification and Paleoecology of Mammoth Teeth from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays, Kansas

Author

Elizabeth Deering, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

DOI

10.58809/GQFG8309

Date of Award

Summer 2013

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geosciences

Advisor

Dr. Laura E. Wilson

Abstract

Thirty-five mammoth teeth from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays, Kansas were examined to determine the species and paleoecological association. Quantitative and qualitative descriptions of tooth length, width, height, enamel thickness, lamellar frequency, condition, shape, and size, were determined. Thirty-four of the teeth were identified as Mammuthus columbi and one was identified as M. jeffersonii, indicating that M. columbi was the dominant mammoth cycles that resulted in cool, mesic, boreal coniferous forests and prairie (steppe) environments throughout the Pleistocene. M. columbi and M. jeffersonii would have thrived in these environments and would have been able to share these niches, as they had similar dietary preferences.

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Deering, Elizabeth, "Identification and Paleoecology of Mammoth Teeth from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays, Kansas" (2013). Master's Theses. 83.
DOI: 10.58809/GQFG8309
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/83

Rights

© 2013 Elizabeth Deering