A Little Giant from John Day – #365papers – 2017 – 96

#365papers for April 6, 2017

Mihlbachler and Samuels, 2016, A small-bodied species of Brontotheriidae from the middle Eocene Nut Beds of the Clarno Formation, John Day Basin, Oregon: Journal of Paleontology, v. 90, p. 1233-1244.

What’s it about?

This is a description of a new species of brontothere, giant rhino-like mammals from the middle Eocene (about 44 million years ago). This new species, Xylotitan, is actually small, as brontotheres go – only about the size of a modern tapir.

Why does it matter?

Any new species helps us better understand what the Earth as a whole was like millions and millions of years ago. It is good to know that not all brontotheres were giant.

Why did I read this?

This new species is Uintan in age, which is an interval of time in which I have great interest. Also the authors are personal friends and I like to keep up with what my friends are working on.