Extinction of the Shasta Ground Sloth

Research Article| December 01, 1974 Extinction of the Shasta Ground Sloth AUSTIN LONG; AUSTIN LONG 1Laboratory of Isotope Geochemistry, Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar RICHARD M. HANSEN; RICHARD M. HANSEN 2Department of Range Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar PAUL S. MARTIN PAUL S. MARTIN 3Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1974) 85 (12): 1843–1848. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1974)85<1843:EOTSGS>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation AUSTIN LONG, RICHARD M. HANSEN, PAUL S. MARTIN; Extinction of the Shasta Ground Sloth. GSA Bulletin 1974;; 85 (12): 1843–1848. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1974)85<1843:EOTSGS>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Detailed examination of fossil dung of the Shasta ground sloth (Nothrotheriops) from Rampart Cave, Arizona, revealed periodic occupation from more than 40,000 yr ago until about 11,000 yr ago. The sloths did not void in the cave during the height of the Wisconsin glaciation between 24,000 and 14,000 yr ago. Cuticle analysis of the dung verified earlier studies showing that the sloths were mainly browsers. Plants in their diet are still important in the local vegetation. Recent radiocarbon dates from various caves in the southwestern United States indicate that Nothrotheriops disappeared at or very soon after the arrival of big-game hunters. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.