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PERFECT AND COMPLETE TAPIR THORACIC VERTEBRA Withlacoochee River - Florida, U.S.A. LATE PLEISTOCENE PERIOD: 125,000 - 10,000 years ago Never before have we seen such an impeccable specimen of a fossil vertebra from the Pleistocene as this specimen. Actually, this thoracic vertebra of a Tapirus veroensis will probably be remembered as one of the finest preserved and most perfect fossil vertebra from ANY ANIMAL AND ANY TIME PERIOD! These images do not do this remarkable specimen justice as you have to see the detail and surface sheen in person. The entire bone is completely mineralized with the weight of stone and the sound and feel of fine porcelain. From Late Pleistocene deposits of the Withlacoochee River, this magnificent tapir vertebra has EVERY SINGLE PROCESS AND ARTICULATING SURFACE INTACT! Notice the beautiful and unique "hook" to the end of the dorsal process as seen in the third and fifth image above. Holding this specimen in hand is PURE MAGIC and has to be experienced. Though extinct today, this species of tapir lived in Florida in the latter Pleistocene. Guaranteed NO REPAIR and NO RESTORATION. This beauty is AS FOUND!The Tapiridae family are members of the order of Perissodactyla or 'Odd-toed Ungulates'. Ungulates are hoofed mammals that represent the main group of large herbivorous animals alive today. Tapirs first appeared about 40 million years ago during the Oligocene Period. They are still alive today in Central and northern South America as well as Southeast Asia although they are considered endangered in all regions. They are bizarre creatures with heavy pig-like bodies, large odd-toed hoofed feet and long, flexible snouts. They have the ability to move and grasp small branches and leaves with their trunks. Today, tapirs remain unchanged in appearance since they first evolved millions of years ago, which is quite unusual. In Florida, the earliest tapir remains date back 22 million years ago to the Early Miocene. Only in the late Miocene though, do they become abundant. At least four species of tapirs lived in Florida but only one existed at any one time. Tapirus simpsoni was the first species to emerge with Tapirus veroensis being the last, surviving right up to the mass extinction marking the end of the Pleistocene. ABSOLUTELY THE FINEST PLEISTOCENE VERTEBRA WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED - RARE!!! 4" high x 2.5" across SOLD LM44-013 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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