Remains of a probable Gomphotherium, aka "Welded Beast," were recently dug up at the site of a Tennessee swimming pool, according to a WHEC report, and other media sources.
Gomphotherium, also called Trilophodon, Tetrabelodon, or Serridentinus, grew to about 9.8 feet tall and resembled a modern elephant. These animals are believed to have been widespread in the Americas 12 to 1.6 million years ago. The exact age of the Tennessee remains has yet to be determined.
(Gomphotherium productum; Credit: Ryan Somma)
The owner of the Tennessee property, Jim Leyden, received a memorable call alerting him to the fossil finds. Leyden had hired contractors to install a new swimming pool at his house. While crew members attempted to install a drain pipe, they came across what sounds like enormous jawbone fossils belonging to this species.
The Memphis Pink Palace Museum took over digging up the bones, which will probably go on display at that museum before long.
Experts believe these are the first Trilophodon (Gomphotherium) bones found in Tennessee.
Based on other fossil discoveries, later relatives of this elephant-like animal must have been good eats to early humans. For example, archaeologists have found evidence suggesting that modern humans as recently as 14,000 years ago were eating meat from such animals at a site called Monte Verde in southern Chile.
Tags: Extinct Animals, Paleontology, Prehistoric Animals, Prehistoric Era
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