Latest Pleistocene paleoecology of Jefferson's ground sloth (Megalonyx jeffersonii) and elk-moose (Cervalces scotti) in northern Illinois
Authors:
- Blaine W. SchubertBSBlaine W. Schubert
- Russell Wm. GrahamRGRussell Wm. Graham
- H. Gregory McDonaldHMH. Gregory McDonald
- Eric C. GrimmEGEric C. Grimm
- Thomas W. StaffordTSThomas W. Stafford
- 1 March 2004
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Quaternary Research
- Vol. 61 (2) , 231-240
Abstract
New records of Jefferson's ground sloth (Megalonyx jeffersonii) and elk-moose (Cervalces scotti) from Lang Farm provide the first precise temporal correlation of these taxa with the specific environments inhabited by them near the time of their extinction. Six AMS14C measurements establish an age of 11,405 ± 5014C yr B.P. for Lang FarmCervalcesand an age of 11,430 ± 60 or 11,485 ± 4014C yr B.P. for theMegalonyx. These measurements represent the youngest14C dates for these two genera based on direct dating. Comparison of the dates with pollen data from northern Illinois indicates that these species inhabited a nonanalog environment that was transitional from mid-latitude tundra to mixed conifer and deciduous woodland. Although spruce (Piceasp.) was dominant, it was less abundant than prior to 12,50014C yr B.P. The presence of black ash (Fraxinus nigra) and fir (Abiessp.) indicates a wet climate and heavy winter precipitation. This may have been the preferred habitat forCervalcesbecause of its narrow geographic range. However, this habitat type was only one of many occupied byMegalonyxas indicated by its broad geographic distribution.Keywords
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