Here's an exploration of deer species that existed during the Ice Age in the United States.
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Ice Age Deer Species in the United States
The Pleistocene epoch, often referred to as the Ice Age, saw a diverse array of deer species roaming North America. Some of these species have survived to the present day, while others went extinct. Understanding these deer requires examining both the Old World and New World deer lineages and their evolutionary history.
Extinct Ice Age Deer
One of the most notable extinct deer species is the stag-moose (Cervalces scotti).[1] This deer, also known as the elk-moose, was a large species that lived in North America during the Late Pleistocene.[1] It was similar in size to the modern moose, with complex, palmate antlers and an elk-like head.[1] The stag-moose inhabited areas ranging from southern Canada to Arkansas and from Iowa to New Jersey.[1] The stag-moose is thought to have evolved from a population of Cervalces latifrons that migrated into North America during the Middle Pleistocene.[1] The stag-moose became extinct approximately 11,500 years ago, towards the end of the most recent ice age, as part of a mass extinction of large North American mammals.[1] The extinction of the stag-moose may have been linked to the emergence of the "true moose" (Alces alces) and climate change.[1]
Surviving Ice Age Deer
Several deer species that existed during the Ice Age have survived to the present day. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most prevalent examples.[5] Fossils of white-tailed deer have been found in Pleistocene-dated sites across the United States.[5] The white-tailed deer is the oldest living deer species on Earth.[2] The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is another surviving species that was present during the Ice Age.[5] The black-tailed mule deer has existed for over 2 million years.[4] Both the white-tailed deer and mule deer are well-adapted to a variety of habitats and have demonstrated a remarkable ability to survive through changing environmental conditions.[4]
Other Deer Species
Other deer species, such as the elk (Cervus canadensis), also existed during the Ice Age. Elk fossils have been found in various locations, including Kingston Saltpeter Cave in north Georgia and near Charleston, South Carolina.[5] Caribou (Rangifer caribou) also lived in the northern parts of the southeastern states during the Ice Age.[5]
Hybridization
It's worth noting that hybridization between deer species can occur. Mule deer and white-tailed deer can hybridize, although they generally prefer different habitats.[3] This hybridization can complicate the understanding of deer evolution and species boundaries.[3]
Authoritative Sources
- Cervalces scotti. [Wikipedia]↩
- The Oldest Deer on Earth. [National Deer Association]↩
- The Hybrid History of North American Deer. [Synapsida]↩
- Mule Deer. [Snowmass Ice Age]↩
- What was the deer-hunting like in Pleistocene Georgia?. [Mark Gelbart]↩
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