You probably think of camels as Middle Eastern animals, but scientists now believe that their giant woolly ancestors originated in the wilds of the Arctic and were perfectly happy to dwell in the snow and cold of those northern climes. According to a study published in 2013 in Nature Communications, researchers found evidence that camels lived on Ellesmere Island, 750 miles (1,207 km) north of the Yukon.
Scientists on a Canadian Museum of Nature expedition concluded that the Arctic camel was about 30 percent larger than today’s distant desert cousins. They theorized that camels originated in North America about 45 million years ago, and at some point crossed into Eurasia and migrated south. They also made their way to South America, where they evolved into llamas and alpacas.
Camels in the Arctic:
- According to expedition leader Natalia Rybczynski, several traits of modern camels would have come in handy for the High Arctic camel. “For example, the wide, flat feet that are useful for walking on sand could also have been useful for walking on snow.”
- “In addition,” she said, “the hump serves as fat storage, so this could have been essential for an animal that would have to survive a long, dark, cold winter.”
- Rybczynski added that “camels have very large eyes that could also be suitable for seeing in low light,” which are typical conditions in the Arctic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there ever camels native to America?
Yes, camels were indeed native to North America. Fossil records indicate that camels originated in North America around 45 million years ago before migrating to other parts of the world. The North American camelid family included species like Camelops, which went extinct approximately 10,000 years ago, likely due to climate change and human hunting.
What types of camels lived in America?
North America was home to several camel species, including the Camelops, which resembled modern-day camels but without a hump. Other varieties included smaller, more deer-like camelids and giant camels like Titanotylopus, which stood over 3 meters tall. These diverse species thrived in various habitats across the continent.
How did camels from America spread to other continents?
Camels migrated from North America to Asia via the Bering land bridge during the Miocene epoch, around 5 million years ago. Once in Asia, they evolved into the dromedary (one-humped) and Bactrian (two-humped) camels we are familiar with today. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive in arid environments, spreading across Asia and into Africa.
Why did camels go extinct in America?
Camels went extinct in America during the Quaternary extinction event, which occurred around 10,000 years ago. This mass extinction affected many large mammals and is attributed to a combination of climate change and overhunting by humans. The changing environment and human expansion likely disrupted the camels' habitats and food sources, leading to their demise.
Are there any living descendants of American camels today?
The closest living relatives of the ancient North American camels are the llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos of South America. These animals are part of the camelid family and share a common ancestor with the extinct North American species. They adapted to the mountainous regions of South America after their ancestors migrated there from North America.
Have camels been reintroduced to America in modern times?
While camels are not native to modern America, they have been reintroduced in small numbers for various purposes. In the 19th century, the U.S. Army experimented with camels as pack animals in the Southwest. Today, camels can be found in zoos, wildlife reserves, and occasionally on private farms, but they are not present in the wild.