2.2" Desmostylus Molar (Hippo-Like Animal) - California

Desmostylus Molar (Hippo-Like Animal) - California #154321

This is a 2.2" wide, fossil molar of Desmostylus hesperus, an extinct Hippopotamus-like animal. This odd looking tooth was collected from the Miocene aged Temblor Formation in California. It is still partially embedded in the rock that it was found in and there is a small piece of fossil bone associated with it.

Desmostylus was most likely amphibious and probably lived in the shallow waters of coastal regions. This is based on studies of the isotopes in its teeth and bones, indicating its diet was mainly aquatic freshwater plants. It was a large animal reaching sizes of about 6 feet long and 450 pounds. It had a short tail and powerful legs with four hooves. Both the creature's jaws were elongated and sported forward-facing tusks, which were elongated canines and incisors.

Artists reconstruction of Desmostylus. By Dmitry Bogdanov