description Pontolis magnus Overview
Pontolis magnus is an extinct species of prehistoric walrus known for its large size. This marine mammal lived during the Late Miocene epoch, inhabiting the coastal waters of the North Pacific region. Paleontologists originally described the species from fossilized remains discovered in Oregon. It possessed significantly larger skull proportions compared to modern walruses and lacked their characteristic elongated tusks.
insights Ranking position
Pontolis magnus ranks #63 of 131 in the Seal ranking, behind EagleBurgmann MG13, ahead of Eastern Pacific Harbor Seal.
help Pontolis magnus FAQ
How large was Pontolis magnus compared with living walruses?
Pontolis magnus was an exceptionally large prehistoric pinniped and was more massive than most living seals and sea lions. Fossil material suggests a heavily built animal related to walruses, although estimates are uncertain because no complete skeleton is known.
Where have fossils of Pontolis magnus been discovered?
The species was originally described from fossil remains found in Oregon. Those remains came from marine deposits associated with the northeastern Pacific during the Miocene.
Was Pontolis magnus a true walrus with long tusks?
It belonged to Odobenidae, the walrus family, but it did not necessarily resemble the modern tusked walrus Odobenus rosmarus in every detail. Walrus relatives developed several different skull, tooth, and feeding adaptations during the Miocene.
What did Pontolis magnus probably eat?
Its exact diet cannot be reconstructed with certainty from the incomplete fossils. Unlike the specialized suction-feeding modern walrus, some extinct odobenids retained dentitions suited to catching fish or other marine prey.
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