A Colossal Ancient Elephant with Four Deadly Tusks Once Roamed the Earth

Picture an elephant, with four, not two imposing tusks. That was the reality of the Gomphotheres, ancient relatives of modern elephants that once roamed the Earth. 

With their unique dental teeth and diverse adaptations, these giants left a fearsome legacy that continues to intrigue scientists and paleontologists today.

What is a Gomphothere?

The first uncontested Gomphothere fossils date back to the Miocene Epoch (approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago), though some experts argue that their origins may be traced to the late Oligocene Epoch (approximately 33.9 to 23 million years ago) based on discoveries in Eritrea and Ethiopia.^(ref)  

These ancient giants were widely distributed across the globe, inhabiting various continents, including North America, South America, Eurasia, and Africa. While they shared many similarities with elephants, gomphotheres also possessed rare characteristics that set them apart.  

The name “gomphothere” comes from Ancient Greek γόμφος (gómphos), “peg, pin; wedge; joint” plus θηρίον (theríon), “beast”.

The Four-Tusk Wonder

One of the most striking features of gomphotheres was their impressive dental arrangement. Gomphotheres’ teeth were distinct from elephants’, especially in their molar chewing surfaces. Their teeth had rounded cusps, a characteristic known as “bunodont.”^(ref)

Unlike modern elephants, which possess two rounded upper tusks, gomphotheres boasted a total of four tusks—two upper tusks and two lower tusks. 

These tusks likely served various purposes, including digging for food, defense against predators, and even attracting mates. The shape and size of the tusks varied among different gomphothere species, reflecting their diverse lifestyles and adaptations.

Classification

While “Gomphotheres” have their own designated family, Gomphotheriidae, experts generally agree that they represent a paraphyletic group, meaning they don’t include all descendants of their common ancestor.^(ref) 

Some even consider the families Choerolophodontidae and Amebelodontidae (which includes the “shovel tuskers” with flattened lower tusks, like Platybelodon) as part of the broader gomphothere group.^(ref)

Although some studies classify North American long-jawed proboscideans like Gnathabelodon, Eubelodon, and Megabelodon as gomphotheriids.^{(ref )} While other studies propose classifying them under Amebelodontidae (Eubelodon, Megabelodon) or Choerolophodontidae (Gnathabelodon).^(ref)

Dietary Diversity

Gomphotheres exhibited a wider range of dietary preferences compared to their modern relatives. While elephants primarily feed on grasses, gomphotheres were more adaptable, consuming both leaves and grasses. 

This dietary flexibility allowed them to thrive in various habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands. The shape of their teeth also varied among species, providing clues about their specific food choices.

A Long & Successful Reign

Gomphotheres enjoyed a remarkable evolutionary history, spanning millions of years. Their widespread distribution and ability to adapt to different environments contributed to their success. 

However, like many other prehistoric creatures, gomphotheres eventually faced extinction. Climate change, competition with other species, and human activities likely played a role in their demise.

When Did They Become Extinct?

In Afro-Eurasia, it’s generally believed that the spread of Elephantidae and Stegodon led to the extinction of gomphotheres.^(ref)

Elephantid molars’ design proved superior to gomphotheres’ in processing grass, which became more prevalent during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs.^(ref)Gomphotheres in the Americas survived until shortly after human arrival around 12,000 years ago.

Remains of the last gomphotheres found with human artifacts suggest hunting contributed to their extinction.^(ref)