Indiana’s State Fossil

The Indiana state fossil is the mastodon. Mastodons were large, elephant-like animals that lived in North America during the Pleistocene epoch. They were herbivores and ate a diet of leaves, twigs, and fruit. Mastodons were hunted by humans, and their remains have been found in archaeological sites across North America.

Mastodon Exhibits in Indiana

The largest mastodon found in Indiana was named the "Hagerman Mastodon". It was discovered in 1897 near the town of Hagerman. The Hagerman Mastodon is on display at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Another mastodon that was found in Indiana is named the "Anderson Mastodon". It was discovered in 1965 near the town of Anderson. The Anderson Mastodon is on display at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis.

Unique Characteristics of Mastodons

Mastodons had a number of unique characteristics that distinguished them from other elephants. - They had four tusks, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. - Their tusks were shorter and straighter than those of elephants. - They had a long, sloping forehead. - Their ears were small and rounded. - Their bodies were covered in long, shaggy hair. Mastodons were well-adapted to the cold climate of the Pleistocene epoch. They had a thick layer of body fat and a dense coat of hair. They also had large feet that helped them distribute their weight on the soft ground. Mastodons lived in herds and were social animals. They communicated with each other through vocalizations and body language. Mastodons were also intelligent animals and were able to learn and remember things.

Mastodon Extinction

Mastodons became extinct about 10,000 years ago. The cause of their extinction is not fully known, but it is thought that they may have been hunted to extinction by humans. Climate change may also have played a role in their extinction.