Ursidae is a young family, evolving from early canids during the late Oligocene and early Miocene, about 20-25 million years ago. The family has frequently been divided into subfamilies. Although debated, these often include: (1) Hemicyoninae, (2) Agriotheriinae, (3) Tremarctinae, (4) Ursinae, and (5) Ailuropodidae. Based on scattered literature published over the past century, we trace the evolutionary lineage of the various genera and species found in these subfamilies; most are extinct, 8 species remain. Many if not most of the relationships have been disputed for many years and we may be far from the definitive history. Speculated causes of extinction usually involved climate change and competition. Primitive man may have been the major competitor of some extinct species and modern man is definitely a major influence on bear evolution today.
- Volume 9
- Issue
- Pages 85-96
- Publication Date 1 January 1994
- DOI 10.2307/3872687
- File Size 493.58 KB
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