What size were Arctodus simus and Ursus spelaeus (Carnivora: Ursidae)?
نویسنده
چکیده
Body masses of the giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus Cope) and the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus Rosenmüller & Heinroth) were calculated with equations based on a long-bone dimensions:body mass proportion ratio in extant carnivores. Despite its more long-limbed, gracile and felid-like anatomy as compared with large extant ursids, large Arctodus specimens considerably exceeded even the largest extant ursids in mass. Large males weighed around 700–800 kg, and on rare occasions may have approached, or even exceeded one tonne. Ursus spelaeus is comparable in size to the largest extant ursids; large males weighed 400–500 kg, females 225–250 kg. Suggestions that large cave bears could reach weights of one tonne are not supported.
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