Elasmotherium - Revision history

Beza 1598: /* Possible historical witnesses */

2016-03-12T10:12:20Z

Possible historical witnesses

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 12 March 2016
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	[[Category:Cryptids]]		[[Category:Cryptids]]
	[[Category:Unicorns]]		[[Category:Unicorns]]

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Nick: /* References */

2009-09-14T03:07:32Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:07, 14 September 2009
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	[[Image:Elasmotherium.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Elasmotherium as the "zhi"]]		[[Image:Elasmotherium.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Elasmotherium as the "zhi"]]
	Some have argued that the survival of ''Elasmotherium'' into historical times may be the source of the [[unicorn]] myth, as the animal's description could be argued to fit with the [[Persian language\|Persian]] ''[[karkadann]]'' [[unicorn]], and the [[China\|Chinese]] ''[[zhi]]'' [[unicorn]].		Some have argued that the survival of ''Elasmotherium'' into historical times may be the source of the [[unicorn]] myth, as the animal's description could be argued to fit with the [[Persian language\|Persian]] ''[[karkadann]]'' [[unicorn]], and the [[China\|Chinese]] ''[[zhi]]'' [[unicorn]].

	~~==References==~~
	Cite journal \| author = Noskova, N.G. \| title = Elasmotherians - evolution, distribution and ecology \| journal = The World of Elephants - International Congress, Rome 2001 \| year = 2001 \| url =http://www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/content/download/4758/62254/file/126_128.pdf

	[[Category:Prehistoric rhinoceroses]]		[[Category:Prehistoric rhinoceroses]]

Nick: Protected "Elasmotherium" [edit=autoconfirmed:move=autoconfirmed]

2009-09-14T03:06:51Z

Protected "Elasmotherium" [edit=autoconfirmed:move=autoconfirmed]

← Older revision	Revision as of 03:06, 14 September 2009
(No difference)

Nick at 03:06, 14 September 2009

2009-09-14T03:06:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:06, 14 September 2009
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	[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]		[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]
	'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]].~~<sup>[1]</sup>~~		'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]].
	==Taxonomy==		==Taxonomy==
	''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.		''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.

Nick at 03:06, 14 September 2009

2009-09-14T03:06:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:06, 14 September 2009
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	[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]		[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]
	'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]].<sup>[1]>/sup>		'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]].<sup>[1]</sup>
	==Taxonomy==		==Taxonomy==
	''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.		''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.

Nick at 03:05, 14 September 2009

2009-09-14T03:05:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:05, 14 September 2009
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	[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]		[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]
	'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]] ~~during the [[Pliocene]] through [[Pleistocene]] living from 3.6 [[Annum\|mya]]—126,000 existing for approximately {{Mya\|3.6-0.126\|million years}}~~.<~~ref~~>[~~http://paleodb.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=checkTaxonInfo&taxon_no=43203&is_real_user=~~1 ~~PaleoBiology Database: ''Elasmotherium'', basic info~~]</~~ref~~>		'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]].<sup>[1]>/sup>
	==Taxonomy==		==Taxonomy==
	''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.		''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.
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	[[Image:Elasmotherium1.jpg\|thumb\|left\|''Elasmotherium'' by [[Heinrich Harder]]]]		[[Image:Elasmotherium1.jpg\|thumb\|left\|''Elasmotherium'' by [[Heinrich Harder]]]]
	Morphological peculiarities of elasmotherians have generated two main hypotheses concerning		Morphological peculiarities of elasmotherians have generated two main hypotheses concerning
	their appearance and the character of their [[Habitat (ecology)\|habitat]]. The first, most widely accepted view~~{{Fact\|date=September 2008}}~~ which was also described above, portrays them as large woolly animals with a large forehead horn that thrived on an open steppe. Fossils of the horn, however, have not been found. The other view~~{{Fact\|date=September 2008}}~~ assigns elasmotherians to [[riparian]] [[biotope]]s. It is probable that elasmotherians dwelt in both riparian and [[steppe]] biotope~~{{Fact\|date=September 2008}}~~. The riparian biotope is suggested by dental and skull morphology. The combination of such characteristics as the absence of canines and strongly developed lateral processes of the atlas implies lateral movements of the head, presumably for grasping grass. The [[hypsodont]] dentition indicates presence of mineral grains in the food. Such food could be obtained by pulling out dense plants from the moist soil. These conditions are typical for riparian biotopes. On the other hand, a steppe biotope is indicated by their rather long and slender limbs, which would have served well for creatures grazing over vast areas.		their appearance and the character of their [[Habitat (ecology)\|habitat]]. The first, most widely accepted view which was also described above, portrays them as large woolly animals with a large forehead horn that thrived on an open steppe. Fossils of the horn, however, have not been found. The other view assigns elasmotherians to [[riparian]] [[biotope]]s. It is probable that elasmotherians dwelt in both riparian and [[steppe]] biotope. The riparian biotope is suggested by dental and skull morphology. The combination of such characteristics as the absence of canines and strongly developed lateral processes of the atlas implies lateral movements of the head, presumably for grasping grass. The [[hypsodont]] dentition indicates presence of mineral grains in the food. Such food could be obtained by pulling out dense plants from the moist soil. These conditions are typical for riparian biotopes. On the other hand, a steppe biotope is indicated by their rather long and slender limbs, which would have served well for creatures grazing over vast areas.

	==Possible historical witnesses==		==Possible historical witnesses==
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	There is also a testimony by the medieval traveller [[Ibn Fadlan]] which has been interpreted by some to indicate that ''Elasmotherium'' may have survived into historical times.		There is also a testimony by the medieval traveller [[Ibn Fadlan]] which has been interpreted by some to indicate that ''Elasmotherium'' may have survived into historical times.

	Ibn Fadlan's account states:~~{{blockquote\|~~[[Image:elasm062.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium sibiricum]]		Ibn Fadlan's account states:
	There is nearby a wide steppe, and there dwells, it is told, an animal smaller than a camel, but taller than a bull. Its head is the head of a ram, and its tail is a bull’s tail. Its body is that of a mule and its hooves are like those of a bull. In the middle of its head it has a horn, thick and round, and as the horn goes higher, it narrows (to an end), until it is like a spearhead. Some of these horns grow to three or five [[ell]]s, depending on the size of the animal. It thrives on the leaves of trees, which are excellent greenery. Whenever it sees a rider, it approaches and if the rider has a fast horse, the horse tries to escape by running fast, and if the beast overtakes them, it picks the rider out of the saddle with its horn, and tosses him in the air, and meets him with the point of the horn, and continues doing so until the rider dies. But it will not harm or hurt the horse in any way or manner.}}		[[Image:elasm062.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium sibiricum]]
	~~{{blockquote\|~~		There is nearby a wide steppe, and there dwells, it is told, an animal smaller than a camel, but taller than a bull. Its head is the head of a ram, and its tail is a bull’s tail. Its body is that of a mule and its hooves are like those of a bull. In the middle of its head it has a horn, thick and round, and as the horn goes higher, it narrows (to an end), until it is like a spearhead. Some of these horns grow to three or five [[ell]]s, depending on the size of the animal. It thrives on the leaves of trees, which are excellent greenery. Whenever it sees a rider, it approaches and if the rider has a fast horse, the horse tries to escape by running fast, and if the beast overtakes them, it picks the rider out of the saddle with its horn, and tosses him in the air, and meets him with the point of the horn, and continues doing so until the rider dies. But it will not harm or hurt the horse in any way or manner.
	The locals seek it in the steppe and in the forest until they can kill it. It is done so: they climb the tall trees between which the animal passes. It requires several bowmen with poisoned arrows; and when the beast is in between them, they shoot and wound it unto its death. And indeed I have seen three big bowls shaped like Yemen seashells, that the king has, and he told me that they are made out of that animal’s horn.}}
			The locals seek it in the steppe and in the forest until they can kill it. It is done so: they climb the tall trees between which the animal passes. It requires several bowmen with poisoned arrows; and when the beast is in between them, they shoot and wound it unto its death. And indeed I have seen three big bowls shaped like Yemen seashells, that the king has, and he told me that they are made out of that animal’s horn.

	[[Image:Elasmotherium.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Elasmotherium as the "zhi"]]		[[Image:Elasmotherium.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Elasmotherium as the "zhi"]]
	Some have argued that the survival of ''Elasmotherium'' into historical times may be the source of the [[unicorn]] myth, as the animal's description could be argued to fit with the [[Persian language\|Persian]] ''[[karkadann]]'' unicorn, and the [[China\|Chinese]] ''[[zhi]]'' unicorn.		Some have argued that the survival of ''Elasmotherium'' into historical times may be the source of the [[unicorn]] myth, as the animal's description could be argued to fit with the [[Persian language\|Persian]] ''[[karkadann]]'' [[unicorn]], and the [[China\|Chinese]] ''[[zhi]]'' [[unicorn]].

	==References==		==References==

Nick at 03:03, 14 September 2009

2009-09-14T03:03:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:03, 14 September 2009
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			[[Image:Elasmotherium_cauc1DB.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Elasmotherium]]
	'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]] during the [[Pliocene]] through [[Pleistocene]] living from 3.6 [[Annum\|mya]]—126,000 existing for approximately {{Mya\|3.6-0.126\|million years}}.<ref>[http://paleodb.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=checkTaxonInfo&taxon_no=43203&is_real_user=1 PaleoBiology Database: ''Elasmotherium'', basic info]</ref>		'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]] during the [[Pliocene]] through [[Pleistocene]] living from 3.6 [[Annum\|mya]]—126,000 existing for approximately {{Mya\|3.6-0.126\|million years}}.<ref>[http://paleodb.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=checkTaxonInfo&taxon_no=43203&is_real_user=1 PaleoBiology Database: ''Elasmotherium'', basic info]</ref>
	==Taxonomy==		==Taxonomy==

Nick: New page: '''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a genus of giant rhinoceros endemic to Asia during the Pliocene through Pleistocene living from 3.6 mya—126...

2009-09-14T02:59:23Z

New page: '''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a genus of giant rhinoceros endemic to Asia during the Pliocene through Pleistocene living from 3.6 mya—126...

New page

'''''Elasmotherium''''' ("Thin Plate Beast") was a [[genus]] of giant [[rhinoceros]] endemic to [[Asia]] during the [[Pliocene]] through [[Pleistocene]] living from 3.6 [[Annum|mya]]—126,000 existing for approximately {{Mya|3.6-0.126|million years}}.<ref>[http://paleodb.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=checkTaxonInfo&taxon_no=43203&is_real_user=1 PaleoBiology Database: ''Elasmotherium'', basic info]</ref>
==Taxonomy==
''Elasmotherium'' which stood, on average, 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high and 6 metres (20 ft) long, with a single two-meter-long horn in the forehead. The animal may have weighed up to 7 tonnes (7.7 short tons).Its legs were longer than those of other rhinos and were designed for galloping, giving it a horse-like gait. It was probably a fast runner, in spite of its size. Its teeth were similar to those of horses, and it probably grazed low herbs.

The genus appeared during the Late [[Pliocene]] in [[Central Asia]], being derived from the [[genus]] ''[[Sinotherium]]''. ''E. inexpectatum'' and ''E. peii'' inhabited Eastern [[China]] during the [[Upper Pliocene]] to [[Early Pleistocene]]. They disappeared approximately 1.6 [[Mega-annum|Ma]]. The earliest records of ''Elasmotherium'' species in Russia are known from the Upper Pliocene assemblages near the [[Black Sea]]. ''E. caucasicum'' was widely distributed in this area between 1.1 Ma and 0.8 Ma. The more advanced (and largest member of the genus) ''E. sibiricum'' appeared in the Middle Pleistocene. It occupied all of the southwestern part of Russia, reaching eastward to western Siberia, then south into [[Ukraine]] and [[Moldova]]. Elasmotherians persisted in eastern Europe until the end of the [[Middle Pleistocene]].

==Description and paleobiology==
[[Image:Elasmotherium1.jpg|thumb|left|''Elasmotherium'' by [[Heinrich Harder]]]]
Morphological peculiarities of elasmotherians have generated two main hypotheses concerning
their appearance and the character of their [[Habitat (ecology)|habitat]]. The first, most widely accepted view{{Fact|date=September 2008}} which was also described above, portrays them as large woolly animals with a large forehead horn that thrived on an open steppe. Fossils of the horn, however, have not been found. The other view{{Fact|date=September 2008}} assigns elasmotherians to [[riparian]] [[biotope]]s. It is probable that elasmotherians dwelt in both riparian and [[steppe]] biotope{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. The riparian biotope is suggested by dental and skull morphology. The combination of such characteristics as the absence of canines and strongly developed lateral processes of the atlas implies lateral movements of the head, presumably for grasping grass. The [[hypsodont]] dentition indicates presence of mineral grains in the food. Such food could be obtained by pulling out dense plants from the moist soil. These conditions are typical for riparian biotopes. On the other hand, a steppe biotope is indicated by their rather long and slender limbs, which would have served well for creatures grazing over vast areas.

==Possible historical witnesses==
It is believed that ''Elasmotherium'' died out in prehistoric times.
However, according to science writer and [[cryptozoologist]] [[Willy Ley]], the animal may have survived long enough to be remembered in the legends of the [[Evenks|Evenk]] people of Russia as a huge black bull with a single horn in the forehead.

There is also a testimony by the medieval traveller [[Ibn Fadlan]] which has been interpreted by some to indicate that ''Elasmotherium'' may have survived into historical times.

Ibn Fadlan's account states:{{blockquote|[[Image:elasm062.jpg|thumb|right|Elasmotherium sibiricum]]
There is nearby a wide steppe, and there dwells, it is told, an animal smaller than a camel, but taller than a bull. Its head is the head of a ram, and its tail is a bull’s tail. Its body is that of a mule and its hooves are like those of a bull. In the middle of its head it has a horn, thick and round, and as the horn goes higher, it narrows (to an end), until it is like a spearhead. Some of these horns grow to three or five [[ell]]s, depending on the size of the animal. It thrives on the leaves of trees, which are excellent greenery. Whenever it sees a rider, it approaches and if the rider has a fast horse, the horse tries to escape by running fast, and if the beast overtakes them, it picks the rider out of the saddle with its horn, and tosses him in the air, and meets him with the point of the horn, and continues doing so until the rider dies. But it will not harm or hurt the horse in any way or manner.}}
{{blockquote|
The locals seek it in the steppe and in the forest until they can kill it. It is done so: they climb the tall trees between which the animal passes. It requires several bowmen with poisoned arrows; and when the beast is in between them, they shoot and wound it unto its death. And indeed I have seen three big bowls shaped like Yemen seashells, that the king has, and he told me that they are made out of that animal’s horn.}}
[[Image:Elasmotherium.jpg|thumb|left|Elasmotherium as the "zhi"]]
Some have argued that the survival of ''Elasmotherium'' into historical times may be the source of the [[unicorn]] myth, as the animal's description could be argued to fit with the [[Persian language|Persian]] ''[[karkadann]]'' unicorn, and the [[China|Chinese]] ''[[zhi]]'' unicorn.

==References==
Cite journal | author = Noskova, N.G. | title = Elasmotherians - evolution, distribution and ecology | journal = The World of Elephants - International Congress, Rome 2001 | year = 2001 | url =http://www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/content/download/4758/62254/file/126_128.pdf

[[Category:Prehistoric rhinoceroses]]
[[Category:Pleistocene mammals]]
[[Category:Pleistocene extinctions]]
[[Category:Megafauna of Eurasia]]
[[Category:Cryptids]]
[[Category:Unicorns]]