The Geologic History of the Bison in the Great Plains (A Preliminary Report)

THE GEOLOGIC history of the bison in North America is a subject which has received little attention to date. Osteological rather than geological problems have been the main concern of most writers who have so far published. If the geologic history of the bison is to be learned, it will be necessary to devote more time and effort in the field in determining the age of the deposits in which various specimens have been discovered and in making more extensive collections from deposits of known age. Unfortunately the majority of the type specimens have been surface finds and little attempt has been made to determine their geologic occurrence. Research concerning phylogenetic problems definitely begins in the field. The geologic age of the specimens, types, and referred material must be determined before a phylogenetic line can definitely be established. The problem of individual variation also must not be overlooked. The present paper has been prepared in order to record some definite observations and information on bison remains collected in the Great Plains with special emphasis on the collections of the University of Nebraska State Museum. The field parties of the Museum have constantly been building up the bison collections since 1928