User:LLLL5/Castor californicus

Further Information on the Castor californicus
Beavers, distinct within the genus Castor since the Miocene and belonging to the Castoridae family, were originally dispersed to Eurasia from North America during the Eocene. The genus itself, Castor, emerged seven million years ago during the Miocene period. Castor californicus, part of the beaver family, was first sighted in Kettleman Hills, California, and is currently designated as an extinct species. However, some fossil specimens have been discovered across areas of western North America, dating accurately to the Miocene and Pliocene time periods. The present North American genus, Castor, refers to the canadensis species, but researchers have found great similarities between the two species, especially in bodily morphology.

A fossilized hand and foot found by F. Brown show indications of bodily use and functionality by Castor californicus. The smaller "hands" suggest uses of grooming, digging, and the particulate holding of sticks, while the larger feet indicate a grander purpose of swimming.

Unlike other members of the Castor genus, the Castor californicus has a total of three enamel folds.

The Castor californicus has been determined to be the earliest type of its genus to appear in North America. Castor californicus is characterized by having short nasal passages. The backs of their skulls were quite wide in comparison to other members of the Castor genus. The coronoid process is more spread out. Their pterygoid muscles were on the larger side, and their neck muscles were broad. Due to these distinctions, Castor californicus had a slight physical advantage compared to Castor fiber. Each Castor californicus was slightly unique in its postcranial morphology. They had short femurs and elongated hind feet, which assisted them in moving with ease through water. Compared to other species of beavers, Castor californicus had considerably wide metatarsals, which aided them in the swimming and digging process.