The History of a Tapir
Tapirs are one of the most ancient mammals that walk the face of the earth. They
are so old, that traces of their heritage date back over 20 millions years.
Since their beginning, tapirs have evolved in America and Asia. The four species
have spread out over these continents...
Tapirus terrestris, is the lowland tapir, or is better described as the Brazilian tapir. This species has
the widest distribution of the four, scattering themselves throughtout Brazil, and also in Colombia and northern Argentina. Tapirus bairdii is also one of the four living species. Known as the 'baird tapir', this species is found through Southern Mexico through to South America. Tapirus pinchaque is the smallest species of the four, known as the mountain tapir. They are the only species that lives outside the boundaries of a tropical rainforest. Tapirus indicus is the largest sized tapir out of the four species. They are refered to as the 'Asian' or 'Malayan' tapir, as they are the only known species that are native to Asia.
Tapirs are one of the most ancient mammals that walk the face of the earth. They
are so old, that traces of their heritage date back over 20 millions years.
Since their beginning, tapirs have evolved in America and Asia. The four species
have spread out over these continents...
Tapirus terrestris, is the lowland tapir, or is better described as the Brazilian tapir. This species has
the widest distribution of the four, scattering themselves throughtout Brazil, and also in Colombia and northern Argentina. Tapirus bairdii is also one of the four living species. Known as the 'baird tapir', this species is found through Southern Mexico through to South America. Tapirus pinchaque is the smallest species of the four, known as the mountain tapir. They are the only species that lives outside the boundaries of a tropical rainforest. Tapirus indicus is the largest sized tapir out of the four species. They are refered to as the 'Asian' or 'Malayan' tapir, as they are the only known species that are native to Asia.
Even though tapirs seem to have the same appearance of a pig, on account of their proboscis (long nose), they are actually perissodactyls, which means they are a type of mammal who are related to the odd-toed ungulates, rhinoceroses and horses. Tapirs are among the most primitive of
the larger animals, being one of the earlier evolved animals. They also haven't changed significantly since the beginning of their existence. Only subtle alterations to their features have occurred. The adaptations are a result of their change in diet and availability of food. They have grown a series of shearing blades on their teeth (lophs), which allows them to crunch down on leaves, twigs, fruits and vines.