Wednesday, January 28, 2009
About Gorillas
The scientific order Primates encompasses about 233 living species classified in 13 scientific families. Most primates live in tropical forests and vary greatly in size. The smallest primate member is the pygmy mouse lemur weighing around 31 g (1.1 oz) and the gorilla is the largest primate weighing up to 220 kg (484 lb).Historically humans and their extinct ancestors were classified in the Family Hominidae while all great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans) were classified in the Family Pongidae. However, biomolecular and genetic research along with recent fossil evidence have identified new similarities between species, leading to the reclassification of chimpanzees and gorillas into the Family Hominidae. 3. In the past, gorilla scientific classification had one species (gorilla) that was divided into three subspecies. Each of these subspecies was distinguished from one another by their geographic location in Africa. • Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is the smallest of all three subspecies - weighing around 180 kg (396 lb) for an adult male - and lives in the tropical forests of West Africa. Lowland gorillas in general are similar in appearance. The western lowland gorilla is the most common type of gorilla found in zoological facilities and is the species cared for at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. • Eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla graueri) is slightly larger in size weighing up to 220 kg (484 lb) and darker in coloration than the western lowland gorilla. They live in the rainforests of central Africa. • Mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) is the largest and rarest of all three subspecies. Adult males may weigh over 227 kg (500 lb.) They are found at high elevations of the Virunga Volcano range that separates Zaire from Rwanda and Uganda. Their hair is longer and darker than their lowland counterparts due to the colder climate of the high elevation. Mountain gorillas are taller, have a more pointed head, have a wider gap in the middle of the nose, and lack a reddish patch of hair on their heads, common to lowland gorillas. 4. In 2001 mitochondrial DNA research and morphological variances have led to the scientific reclassification of gorillas. Under the new classification gorillas are divided into two species, the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). It is thought that the two species diverged from one another about 2 million years ago and both have two subspecies. The eastern gorilla's two subspecies are the eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringi). • It has been suggested that there is a third subspecies of eastern gorillas because a small subset of mountain gorillas that inhabit the Bwindi National Park in Uganda possess distinctive characteristics such as morphology, ecology and behavior. Due to the small size of mountain gorilla populations and available samples for testing, it is difficult to determine whether the two populations are physically and genetically distinct enough to be considered two separate subspecies. • The western gorilla's two subspecies are the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla The name "gorilla" was derived from an ancient account by a Carthaginian explorer who sailed along the west coast of Africa nearly 2,500 years ago. Local people shared their name for the great ape with him - the rough translation of which meant "hairy person
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
wonders of animals
SPECIES
1. Historically, elephants were classified into two species, the African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants. However, genetic research has provided new insight to elephant “relatedness” and taxonomic classification at the subspecies level. 2. African elephant classification is ongoing research. Preliminary genetic studies have indicated there are at least two subspecies of African elephants, namely the savanna (Loxodonta africana africana) and forest (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) elephants. However, elephant taxonomy may further diversify in the future, as genetic and phylogenic research indicates additional subspecies. Forest and savanna elephants are differentiated by geographic distribution and several physical characteristics. • African elephants inhabit the sub—Saharan regions of Africa . The savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) resides on the savanna and grassy plains of east and South Africa. Forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) inhabit forested regions of central and western Africa. • The savanna elephant is larger than the forest subspecies. In fact, it is the largest land animal in the world. Refer to the Physical Characteristics section for in-depth differentiation between the two subspecies. 3. There are four recognized subspecies of Asian elephants, the Sri Lankan subspecies (Elephas maximus maximus) the mainland subspecies (Elephas maximus indicus), the Borneo subspecies (Elephas maximus borneensis), and the Sumatran subspecies (Elephas maximus sumatranus). However, elephant taxonomy may further diversify in the future, as genetic and phylogenic research indicates additional subspecies. The three subspecies are differentiated by geographic distribution and several physical characteristics. • Asian elephants inhabit the southern, eastern and southeastern parts of Asia. The Indian elephant (E.m. indicus) has the broadest distribution, extending between the southern and southeastern regions of Asia. Sumatran (E.m. sumatrensis) and Sri Lankan (E.m. maximus) elephants inhabit Sumatra and the southwestern portions of Sri Lanka respectively. Borneo elephants inhabit Sabah, Malaysia, and Kalimantan regions of Borneo. • The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of all three Asian elephant subspecies. Refer to the Physical Characteristics section for in—depth differentiation between the three subspecies. • The Borneo elephant subspecies was identified in 2003 based on mitochondrial DNA research that distinguished them genetically from other Asian subspecies. They are the smallest in size and have the longest tail length of all four species, often touching the ground. RETURN TO TOP NOMENCLATURE 1. The Order Proboscidea derived its name from the Latin word “proboscis” meaning trunk. 2. The word elephant is derived from the Greek word “elephas” that means ivory. RETURN TO TOP FOSSIL RECORD 1. Elephants are the only living members of the Order Proboscidea today. However, modern day elephants represent only one of many proboscid families that have existed throughout history. Elephant ancestry spans over 55 million years and includes more than 300 proboscidean species. Proboscideans have ranged throughout the world, except Australia, Antarctica, and a few islands. These large animals inhabited numerous habitats, from aquatic to tundra.
1. Cat species comprise about 16% of the world's carnivores. The taxonomic classification has fluctuated since new morphological and genetic research has been documented. 2. The Felidae family has 18 genera encompassing about 40 species. There are 13 genera within the Felinae subfamily, 4 genera within the Pantherinae subfamily and 1 within the Acinonychinae subfamily. 3. There are eight recognized subspecies of tiger, five of which are living (Bengal, Amur, Indo-Chinese, Sumatran and South China tigers). These subspecies are distinguished by their geographic distribution and physical characteristics such as size, hair length and/or thickness and striping. • The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) has reddish-orange colored fur with dark brown-black vertical stripes. Bengal tigers may weigh up to 220 kg (480 lb) and are about 2.9 m (9.5 ft) in length. They inhabit the Indian subcontinent, India, Nepal, Bangledesh and Burma. This is the subspecies found at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest living cat species, weighing up to 300 kg. (660 lb) and is about 3.3 m. (10.9 ft) in length. Historically they were called Siberian tigers but have since been renamed because they are currently found near the Amur River region of Russia, China and North Korea, not Siberia. Amur tigers have lighter and fewer stripes than other tiger subspecies. They have long and thick hair to help them stay warm in their cold climate. • The Indo-Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) is one of the smallest tiger subspecies, weighing up to 182 kg (400 lb) and is about 2.8 m (9ft) in length. They have a large range encompassing continental southeast Asia region (southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and eastern Burma). • The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) are native to South Central China. They may weigh up to 150 kg (330 lb) and are about 2.5 m (8 ft) in length. South China tigers are the most critically endangered of all tiger subspecies with a population estimate between 30 to 80 individuals. • The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is the smallest living tiger subspecies, weighing up to 120 kg (265 lb) and is about 2.4 m (8 ft) in length. They are found in Sumatra, part of Indonesia. The Sumatran tiger's fur is darker in coloration than other tiger species with a deep orange to reddish coat and black stripes. • The Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) was exclusively found in Java Indonesia and went extinct in the early 1980's They had thin black stripes that were usually double-looped. The Javan and Bali tigers were very similar in their small size weighing only 90 to 90 kg (200 to 220 lb) • The Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) was native from Turkey through central and west Asia and went extinct around the 1950's. They had a distinctive style for hunting in that they stalked migrating prey over long distances rather than holding territories like other tiger subspecies. • The Balinese tiger (Panthera tigris balica) was exclusively found in Bali in Indonesia and went extinct in the early 1930's. The Javan and Bali tigers were very similar in their small size weighing only 90 to 90 kg (200 to 220 lb). RETURN TO TOP NOMENCLATURE 1. The species name tigris is Greek for "arrow". It is thought that its name was derived from the straight (as an arrow) and fast-flowing Tigris river that lies between Kurdistan in east central Turkey and the Persian Gulf.
1. The living sirenians consist of three species of manatees and one species of dugong. 2. The Greek name for this order is derived from the sirens of Greek mythology. Sirens were sea nymphs who lured sailors to their island with their mesmerizing songs. FAMILY - TRICHECHIDAE AND DUGONGIDAE 1. All three species of manatees belong to the family Trichechidae. 2. The family Dugongidae includes the dugong found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. A second species, the Steller's sea cow was discovered in 1741 and hunted to extinction by 1768. This species lived primarily in the Commander Islands of the western Bering Sea. RETURN TO TOP GENUS, SPECIES 1. Trichechus manatus, the West Indian manatee. There are two subspecies of the West Indian manatee: the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). These subspecies are distinguished by differences in cranial measurements and by their geographic distribution. 2. Trichechus senegalensis, the West African manatee. About the same size and shape of the West Indian manatee, the West African manatee differs in some important respects: position of the eyes, snout, and cranial bones. 3. Trichechus inunguis, the Amazonian manatee. The Amazonian manatee is the smallest of the manatees. Several physical characteristics distinguish it from the other two species. It lacks nails on its pectoral fins, and usually has whitish patches on its underside.
1. The scientific order Carnivora includes bears, dogs, cats, raccoons, otters, weasels, and their relatives. All typical carnivores have well developed claws, strong facial musculature, and specialized teeth. The canines are long, sharp, and well-developed, and premolars are adapted for cutting. RETURN TO TOP FAMILY - URSIDAE 1. All eight bear species belong to this family. Ursids are the largest of all terrestrial carnivores. The family is divided into three subfamilies, Ursinae (black bears, brown bears, polar bears, sun bears, and sloth bears), Tremarctinae (spectacled bears), and Ailuropodinae (giant pandas). RETURN TO TOP GENUS, SPECIES - URSUS MARITIMUS 1. There are five other species in the genus Ursus: American black bears, Asiatic black bears, brown (grizzly) bears, sun bears, and sloth bears. Species can be distinguished by size, build, coloration, and habitat. 2. Ursus maritimus is Latin for "sea bear". The polar bear is the only bear considered to be a marine mammal. It is only partially aquatic though, and the least aquatic of all marine mammals. Polar bears are considered to be marine mammals because they spend so much time traveling in the ocean between ice flows. RETURN TO TOP FOSSIL RECORD 1. Ursids in the fossil record date back to the early Miocene in Asia, and the late Miocene in North America. 2. The oldest known polar bear fossil is less than 100,000 years old. Polar bears probably developed during the Pleistocene era from an ancestral brown bear. Polar bears and brown bears are still closely related; when cross-bred, they produce fertile offspring.
1. Historically, elephants were classified into two species, the African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants. However, genetic research has provided new insight to elephant “relatedness” and taxonomic classification at the subspecies level. 2. African elephant classification is ongoing research. Preliminary genetic studies have indicated there are at least two subspecies of African elephants, namely the savanna (Loxodonta africana africana) and forest (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) elephants. However, elephant taxonomy may further diversify in the future, as genetic and phylogenic research indicates additional subspecies. Forest and savanna elephants are differentiated by geographic distribution and several physical characteristics. • African elephants inhabit the sub—Saharan regions of Africa . The savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) resides on the savanna and grassy plains of east and South Africa. Forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) inhabit forested regions of central and western Africa. • The savanna elephant is larger than the forest subspecies. In fact, it is the largest land animal in the world. Refer to the Physical Characteristics section for in-depth differentiation between the two subspecies. 3. There are four recognized subspecies of Asian elephants, the Sri Lankan subspecies (Elephas maximus maximus) the mainland subspecies (Elephas maximus indicus), the Borneo subspecies (Elephas maximus borneensis), and the Sumatran subspecies (Elephas maximus sumatranus). However, elephant taxonomy may further diversify in the future, as genetic and phylogenic research indicates additional subspecies. The three subspecies are differentiated by geographic distribution and several physical characteristics. • Asian elephants inhabit the southern, eastern and southeastern parts of Asia. The Indian elephant (E.m. indicus) has the broadest distribution, extending between the southern and southeastern regions of Asia. Sumatran (E.m. sumatrensis) and Sri Lankan (E.m. maximus) elephants inhabit Sumatra and the southwestern portions of Sri Lanka respectively. Borneo elephants inhabit Sabah, Malaysia, and Kalimantan regions of Borneo. • The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of all three Asian elephant subspecies. Refer to the Physical Characteristics section for in—depth differentiation between the three subspecies. • The Borneo elephant subspecies was identified in 2003 based on mitochondrial DNA research that distinguished them genetically from other Asian subspecies. They are the smallest in size and have the longest tail length of all four species, often touching the ground. RETURN TO TOP NOMENCLATURE 1. The Order Proboscidea derived its name from the Latin word “proboscis” meaning trunk. 2. The word elephant is derived from the Greek word “elephas” that means ivory. RETURN TO TOP FOSSIL RECORD 1. Elephants are the only living members of the Order Proboscidea today. However, modern day elephants represent only one of many proboscid families that have existed throughout history. Elephant ancestry spans over 55 million years and includes more than 300 proboscidean species. Proboscideans have ranged throughout the world, except Australia, Antarctica, and a few islands. These large animals inhabited numerous habitats, from aquatic to tundra.
The scientific order Primates encompasses about 233 living species classified in 13 scientific families. Most primates live in tropical forests and vary greatly in size. The smallest primate member is the pygmy mouse lemur weighing around 31 g (1.1 oz) and the gorilla is the largest primate weighing up to 220 kg (484 lb).Historically humans and their extinct ancestors were classified in the Family Hominidae while all great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans) were classified in the Family Pongidae. However, biomolecular and genetic research along with recent fossil evidence have identified new similarities between species, leading to the reclassification of chimpanzees and gorillas into the Family Hominidae. 3. In the past, gorilla scientific classification had one species (gorilla) that was divided into three subspecies. Each of these subspecies was distinguished from one another by their geographic location in Africa. • Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is the smallest of all three subspecies - weighing around 180 kg (396 lb) for an adult male - and lives in the tropical forests of West Africa. Lowland gorillas in general are similar in appearance. The western lowland gorilla is the most common type of gorilla found in zoological facilities and is the species cared for at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. • Eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla graueri) is slightly larger in size weighing up to 220 kg (484 lb) and darker in coloration than the western lowland gorilla. They live in the rainforests of central Africa. • Mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) is the largest and rarest of all three subspecies. Adult males may weigh over 227 kg (500 lb.) They are found at high elevations of the Virunga Volcano range that separates Zaire from Rwanda and Uganda. Their hair is longer and darker than their lowland counterparts due to the colder climate of the high elevation. Mountain gorillas are taller, have a more pointed head, have a wider gap in the middle of the nose, and lack a reddish patch of hair on their heads, common to lowland gorillas. 4. In 2001 mitochondrial DNA research and morphological variances have led to the scientific reclassification of gorillas. Under the new classification gorillas are divided into two species, the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). It is thought that the two species diverged from one another about 2 million years ago and both have two subspecies. The eastern gorilla's two subspecies are the eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringi). • It has been suggested that there is a third subspecies of eastern gorillas because a small subset of mountain gorillas that inhabit the Bwindi National Park in Uganda possess distinctive characteristics such as morphology, ecology and behavior. Due to the small size of mountain gorilla populations and available samples for testing, it is difficult to determine whether the two populations are physically and genetically distinct enough to be considered two separate subspecies. • The western gorilla's two subspecies are the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla The name "gorilla" was derived from an ancient account by a Carthaginian explorer who sailed along the west coast of Africa nearly 2,500 years ago. Local people shared their name for the great ape with him - the rough translation of which meant "hairy person
The scientific class Aves includes all birds. 2. Birds have feathers, wings, beaks, and scales on their legs and feet. They're also warm-blooded, breathe air, and lay eggs. RETURN TO TOP SUBCLASS - NEORNITHES 1. This subclass includes all species of modern birds dating back to the late Cretaceous period. RETURN TO TOP ORDER - FALCONIFORMES 1. Birds in the order Falconiformes have strong bills which are hooked at the tip and sharp on the edges; fleshy ceres (soft skin) at the base of the bills; feet with sharp, curved talons; an opposable hind toe; and keen vision. They are generally strong flyers and carnivores (animal-eaters). 2. Because they eat other animals, Falconiformes are commonly called birds of prey or raptors. More specifically, they hunt during the day and thus are called diurnal birds of prey. Owls (Order Strigiformes) are also birds of prey, but they are nocturnal (hunt at night). RETURN TO TOP FAMILY 1. There are five families in the Order Falconiformes. • The secretary bird belongs to its own family, Sagittariidae. Though classified in Falconiformes, it has many cranelike physical qualities, such as long legs and short, blunt toes. • Ospreys belong to the family Pandionidae. This fish-eating species has a unique foot structure within the Order Falconiformes. The outer front toe can swing to face backward with the hind toe, an adaptation for grasping their prey. • Accipitridae is a large family which includes kites, Old World vultures, harriers, hawks, eagles, and buzzards. The members of this varied group are believed to be derived from a common kitelike ancestor. Most are active predators and build nests made of sticks. The insides of their eggs are green-tinted. • The family Falconidae contains the falcons and caracaras. They're similar to birds in the family Accipitridae, but their bills are notched, they have proportionately longer wings, and the insides of their eggs have a reddish-yellow tint. • The family Cathartidae includes New World vultures. Like Old World vultures, they're primarily carrion eaters and have more or less unfeathered heads. Unlike Old World vultures, they don't have a syrinx (voicebox), don't build nests, and their septum (the structure that separates the two nostrils) is perforated.
TAXONOMY
1. Cat species comprise about 16% of the world's carnivores. The taxonomic classification has fluctuated since new morphological and genetic research has been documented. 2. The Felidae family has 18 genera encompassing about 40 species. There are 13 genera within the Felinae subfamily, 4 genera within the Pantherinae subfamily and 1 within the Acinonychinae subfamily. 3. There are eight recognized subspecies of tiger, five of which are living (Bengal, Amur, Indo-Chinese, Sumatran and South China tigers). These subspecies are distinguished by their geographic distribution and physical characteristics such as size, hair length and/or thickness and striping. • The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) has reddish-orange colored fur with dark brown-black vertical stripes. Bengal tigers may weigh up to 220 kg (480 lb) and are about 2.9 m (9.5 ft) in length. They inhabit the Indian subcontinent, India, Nepal, Bangledesh and Burma. This is the subspecies found at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest living cat species, weighing up to 300 kg. (660 lb) and is about 3.3 m. (10.9 ft) in length. Historically they were called Siberian tigers but have since been renamed because they are currently found near the Amur River region of Russia, China and North Korea, not Siberia. Amur tigers have lighter and fewer stripes than other tiger subspecies. They have long and thick hair to help them stay warm in their cold climate. • The Indo-Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) is one of the smallest tiger subspecies, weighing up to 182 kg (400 lb) and is about 2.8 m (9ft) in length. They have a large range encompassing continental southeast Asia region (southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and eastern Burma). • The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) are native to South Central China. They may weigh up to 150 kg (330 lb) and are about 2.5 m (8 ft) in length. South China tigers are the most critically endangered of all tiger subspecies with a population estimate between 30 to 80 individuals. • The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is the smallest living tiger subspecies, weighing up to 120 kg (265 lb) and is about 2.4 m (8 ft) in length. They are found in Sumatra, part of Indonesia. The Sumatran tiger's fur is darker in coloration than other tiger species with a deep orange to reddish coat and black stripes. • The Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) was exclusively found in Java Indonesia and went extinct in the early 1980's They had thin black stripes that were usually double-looped. The Javan and Bali tigers were very similar in their small size weighing only 90 to 90 kg (200 to 220 lb) • The Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) was native from Turkey through central and west Asia and went extinct around the 1950's. They had a distinctive style for hunting in that they stalked migrating prey over long distances rather than holding territories like other tiger subspecies. • The Balinese tiger (Panthera tigris balica) was exclusively found in Bali in Indonesia and went extinct in the early 1930's. The Javan and Bali tigers were very similar in their small size weighing only 90 to 90 kg (200 to 220 lb). RETURN TO TOP NOMENCLATURE 1. The species name tigris is Greek for "arrow". It is thought that its name was derived from the straight (as an arrow) and fast-flowing Tigris river that lies between Kurdistan in east central Turkey and the Persian Gulf.
1. The living sirenians consist of three species of manatees and one species of dugong. 2. The Greek name for this order is derived from the sirens of Greek mythology. Sirens were sea nymphs who lured sailors to their island with their mesmerizing songs. FAMILY - TRICHECHIDAE AND DUGONGIDAE 1. All three species of manatees belong to the family Trichechidae. 2. The family Dugongidae includes the dugong found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. A second species, the Steller's sea cow was discovered in 1741 and hunted to extinction by 1768. This species lived primarily in the Commander Islands of the western Bering Sea. RETURN TO TOP GENUS, SPECIES 1. Trichechus manatus, the West Indian manatee. There are two subspecies of the West Indian manatee: the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). These subspecies are distinguished by differences in cranial measurements and by their geographic distribution. 2. Trichechus senegalensis, the West African manatee. About the same size and shape of the West Indian manatee, the West African manatee differs in some important respects: position of the eyes, snout, and cranial bones. 3. Trichechus inunguis, the Amazonian manatee. The Amazonian manatee is the smallest of the manatees. Several physical characteristics distinguish it from the other two species. It lacks nails on its pectoral fins, and usually has whitish patches on its underside.ORDER - CARNIVORA
1. The scientific order Carnivora includes bears, dogs, cats, raccoons, otters, weasels, and their relatives. All typical carnivores have well developed claws, strong facial musculature, and specialized teeth. The canines are long, sharp, and well-developed, and premolars are adapted for cutting. RETURN TO TOP FAMILY - URSIDAE 1. All eight bear species belong to this family. Ursids are the largest of all terrestrial carnivores. The family is divided into three subfamilies, Ursinae (black bears, brown bears, polar bears, sun bears, and sloth bears), Tremarctinae (spectacled bears), and Ailuropodinae (giant pandas). RETURN TO TOP GENUS, SPECIES - URSUS MARITIMUS 1. There are five other species in the genus Ursus: American black bears, Asiatic black bears, brown (grizzly) bears, sun bears, and sloth bears. Species can be distinguished by size, build, coloration, and habitat. 2. Ursus maritimus is Latin for "sea bear". The polar bear is the only bear considered to be a marine mammal. It is only partially aquatic though, and the least aquatic of all marine mammals. Polar bears are considered to be marine mammals because they spend so much time traveling in the ocean between ice flows. RETURN TO TOP FOSSIL RECORD 1. Ursids in the fossil record date back to the early Miocene in Asia, and the late Miocene in North America. 2. The oldest known polar bear fossil is less than 100,000 years old. Polar bears probably developed during the Pleistocene era from an ancestral brown bear. Polar bears and brown bears are still closely related; when cross-bred, they produce fertile offspring.
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