Evolution of Camels

Early Ancestor-ProtylopusEocene 56 to 34 MYA

Intermediate Ancestor-Poebrotherium

Oligocene 34 to 23 MYAModern Camel-Camelus

DromedariusPleistocene 2.5 MYA to currentFuture Camels??

Ms. Buechler’s Example

Some important evolutionary changes

Ancestral Camel= ProtylopusCharacteristics• Very small-size of a rabbit• Height: 2’• Weight: less than 50lbs.• No hump• Front limbs shorter than hind

legs• low-crowned teeth along the

jaw

Habitat:• Forested areas in N. AmericaNiche: • Herbivore-Ate leafy vegetation

primarily

Ancestral Camel= ProtylopusAdaptations:• Front limbs shorter than

hind legs- allowed them to stand on hind legs to reach leaves

• low-crowned teeth along the jaw- helps breakdown leafy vegetation

• Fur was longer and thicker than modern camels-lived in colder environment

• Hooves- better for navigating terrain than 3 toed ancestors

Causes for Change in Population• Climate changed in this location. • Went from forest to more of a grassland• Saw a change in allele frequency favoring

this new environment (Natural Selection)

•

Intermediate Ancestor= PoebrotheriumCharacteristics

Longer neckLarger body sizeSofter, padded foot- less bony

Habitat:Steppe grasslandsOpen plains to more hillyTemp. and precipitation vary

Summer- 100° semi arid Winter- 40°

N. America to AsiaNiche:

Changes in Tooth structure allowed for more varied diet- especially grasses

Intermediate Ancestor= PoebrotheriumAdaptations

Length of legs increased (longer)Increased in sizeTeeth and jaw structure changing to allow for a more varied dietWent from 4 toes to 2 (lost the side toes)- better suited for grasslands that existed in N. America during this time

Causes of Evolution Poebrotherium migrated across the land bridge that existed between N. America & Asia during this timeOnce in Asia, varieties of ancestral camels (Poebrotherium) moved to various locations depending on resourcesOvertime, various camel subspecies saw changes in allesle frequency (versions of traits) due to natural selection driven by resources

Evolution of a Camel- ModernCharacteristics:• Height-6’• Weight- 1500lb.• Brown to beige fur• Hump- fatty tissue • Rope like tail• Long, thin

powerful legs• Large “doe-like”

eyes• Long neck

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Vertebrata

Order Mammalia

Family Camelidae

Genus Camelus

Species Dromedarius

Habitat:• Hot, dry, desert

conditions• Low precipitation• Little vegetation

Niche:• Herbivores- eat

Evolution of a Camel- ModernAdaptations• Hump- fatty tissue used for

energy reserve (does not store water)

• Double row of eyelashes-protect eye from sand

• Unique internal thermostat- body temp. lower than air temp which helps them conserve water

• Domesticated-assists survival in harsh environment

Variations of the Genus & Distribution

Future “Camels”

Characteristics Habitat

Niche

Future “Camels”

Adaptations What might cause this population to change?

Content References

• http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/cameldomestication/2014/04/08/evolutionary-history/

• http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Biology-Concepts/section/5.17/• http

://blogs.lt.vt.edu/cameldomestication/2014/04/08/evolutionary-history/

Picture References

• http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/cameldomestication/2014/04/08/evolutionary-history/

• http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Biology-Concepts/section/5.17/• https

://www.finedininglovers.com/stories/africa-ethiopian-camel-cheese/

• wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Poebrotherium.jpg