References / paperSkeleton of the oldest known pinniped, Enaliarctos mealsi
Berta, A.; Ray, C.E.; Wyss, A.R.
Year1989
Source roleprimary-study
DOI / ID10.1126/science.244.4900.60
Fitness and scope
morphology · range · geochronology
Primary report of the nearly complete California skeleton; the abstract gives an explicitly approximate age of 23 Ma.
Claim ledger
fossil-range · mediumThe Enaliarctos profile is anchored by the virtually complete Enaliarctos mealsi skeleton LACM 4321 from the Jewett Sand at an explicitly approximate age of 23 Ma; its swimming and terrestrial capabilities are comparative models, not a global genus range or direct pinniped ancestor claim.
claim:taxon:enaliarctos:fossil-range