4.2" Brontothere Fossil Vertebrae Bone Eocene Age Badlands S Dakota Titanothere COA

Location: White River Badlands, South Dakota

Weight: 1 Pound 4.4 Ounces

Dimensions: 4.2 Inches Long, 2.8 Inches Wide, 2.5 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Eocene Age, 56 to 33.9 million years Old

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Brontotheres were ancient mammals that roamed the area now known as Badlands National Park between approximately 56 and 33.9 million years ago. In scientific literature, these creatures are classified as Megacerops coloradensis. They are sometimes referred to as “titanotheres,” meaning “thunder beasts,” a name inspired by the imagined sound of a herd of these massive animals moving across prehistoric landscapes, thundering through forests, plains, and river valleys.

Fossil evidence shows that Badlands brontotheres grew to impressive sizes, standing around 8 feet tall and measuring up to 16 feet long, roughly the size of a modern large rhinoceros or small elephant. Despite their enormous size in the late Eocene, early Eocene brontotheres were only dog-sized. Over the course of 20 million years, these mammals gradually evolved and diversified, increasing in size and developing the distinctive features that make them some of the most remarkable fossils of the Badlands today. Their growth reflects a long history of adaptation to changing environments, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric North American ecosystems.

Brontotheres are usually known for the blunt, paired horns that stuck out from their noses. These horns developed from small nubs into the giant horns that stretch over 3.3 feet (1 meter) long in Badlands brontotheres. Horns tend to be larger in males and smaller in females. Although these horns usually inspire thoughts of rhinos, brontotheres are related to modern rhinos. Even so, Badlands fossils include animals like Subhyracodon, which are true ancestors of the modern rhinos of the rhino family.