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Extinct California Tapir (Tapirus californicus) Fact Sheet: Reproduction & Development

California Tapir (Tapirus californicus)

How Do We Know This?

Isotope studies of elements present fossil bones and tusks in microscopic quantities give information about timing of reproductive stress, and timing of nursing. Clues to stages of development come from tooth replacement patterns and closure of sutures in skull and limb bones.

Mortality and Extinction

Status

  • Species (Tapirus californicus) extinct by 13,000 years ago
  • Genus (Tapirus) survives elsewhere

Page Citations

Auler & Smart (1999)
Brenzel & Semken (2006)
Hill & Gillette (1985)

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