Evolution of Camels Early Ancestor-Protylopus Eocene 56 to 34 MYA Intermediate Ancestor-Poebrotherium Oligocene 34 to 23 MYA Modern Camel-Camelus Dromedarius Pleistocene 2.5 MYA to current Future Camels?? Ms. Buechler’s Example Evolution of Camels https://www.finedininglovers.com/stories/africa-ethiopian-camel-cheese/

Some important evolutionary changes http://imgarcade.com/1/evolution-of-camel/

Ancestral Camel= Protylopus Characteristics 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. America Niche: Herbivore-Ate leafy vegetation primarily http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/cameldomestication/2014/04/08/evolutionary-history/

Ancestral Camel= Protylopus Adaptations: 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) http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/cameldomestication/2014/04/08/evolutionary-history/

Intermediate Ancestor= Poebrotherium Characteristics Longer neck Larger body size Softer, padded foot- less bony Habitat: Steppe grasslands Open plains to more hilly Temp. and precipitation vary Summer- 100° semi arid Winter- 40° N. America to Asia Niche: Changes in Tooth structure allowed for more varied diet- especially grasses wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Poebrotherium.jpg

Intermediate Ancestor= Poebrotherium Causes of Evolution Poebrotherium migrated across the land bridge that existed between N. America & Asia during this time Once in Asia, varieties of ancestral camels (Poebrotherium) moved to various locations depending on resources Overtime, various camel subspecies saw changes in allesle frequency (versions of traits) due to natural selection driven by resources Adaptations Length of legs increased (longer) Increased in size Teeth and jaw structure changing to allow for a more varied diet Went from 4 toes to 2 (lost the side toes)- better suited for grasslands that existed in N. America during this time wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Poebrotherium.jpg

Evolution of a Camel- Modern Characteristics: Height-6’ Weight- 1500lb. Brown to beige fur Hump- fatty tissue Rope like tail Long, thin powerful legs Large “doe-like” eyes Long neck Habitat: Hot, dry, desert conditions Low precipitation Little vegetation Niche: Herbivores- eat Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Vertebrata Order Mammalia Family Camelidae Genus Camelus Species Dromedarius Picture: http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/cameldomestication/2014/04/08/evolutionary-history/

Evolution of a Camel- Modern Adaptations 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 http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Biology-Concepts/section/5.17/

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/

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