Mastodon

Molars of Mammut americanum, Oklahoma.

Related to elephants and extinct for close to 11,000 years, mastodons were one of the megafauna that once inhabited North America. They were similar to modern elephants with large, curved tusks and corrugated grinding surfaces of the teeth, but they were also similar to mammoths with their shaggy hair. Remains of mastodons were first discovered in 1705 when a tenant farmer discovered a five-pound tooth. More teeth were discovered in other parts of North America until a French anatomist finally gave mastodons a name. The common name was based on the teeth as the conical cusps resembled breasts: mastos (Greek for breast) and odont (for tooth). Although the shape of the tooth first gave thought to flesh-eating beasts, it has since been concluded that the shape of the teeth provided best for browsing and grazing.

From the newest fossil collection at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.