Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Neogene: Gomphotheres
Gomphotheres were a group of ancient elephants that were best known for possessing both upper and lower tusks. These ancient elephants reached a height of approximately eight feet and possessed elongated skulls with tusks that were low to the ground. The upper tusks were straight and possessed distinctive enamel bands while their lower tusks were flattened and paired together like a shovel. Also, the chewing surfaces of their molars contained distinctive clover patterns called “trefoils” that distinguished them from other ancient elephants (Fossil Treasures of Florida 2010). Their feeding habits have been debated as to whether they used their lower tusks to scoop up water plants or if they were used as specialized cutting utensils for vegetation (Lambert 1992). An interesting and recent archeological find in 2007 has provided evidence that these creatures may have interacted with early humans and were hunted by them. The find in the northern Mexican state of Sonora revealed Gomphothere bones associated with prehistoric human stone tools (Van Tuerenhout 2009). This find may prove that Gomphotheres existed alongside mammoths and saber tooth tigers during the early history of man.

Page by Iggy Gaska
Artists rendition of two ancient Gomphotheres. Picture From: Fossil Treasures of Florida

Van Tuerenhout D. 2009. Of gomphotheres, early American Indians, the Lazarus effect and the end of the world. Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. Accessed April 19,2010.

Fossil Treasures of Florida. 2010. Gomphotheres: Ancient Four-Tusked Elephants. Accessed April 18, 2010.

Lambert D.1992. The feeding habits of the shovel-tusked gomphotheres: evidence from tusk wear patterns. Paleobiology. 18(2):132-147.