Changes

==PAPER 61: THE MAMMALIAN ERA ON URANTIA==     

==PAPER 61: THE MAMMALIAN ERA ON URANTIA==     

61:0.1 The era of mammals extends from the times of the origin of placental mammals to the end of the ice age, covering a little less than fifty million years.

61:0.1 The era of [[mammals]] extends from the times of the [[origin]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta placental] mammals to the end of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Age ice age], covering a little less than fifty million years.

61:0.2 During this Cenozoic age the world's landscape presented an attractive appearance—rolling hills, broad valleys, wide rivers, and great forests. Twice during this sector of time the Panama Isthmus went up and down; three times Bering Strait land bridge did the same. The animal types were both many and varied. The trees swarmed with birds, and the whole world was an animal paradise, notwithstanding the incessant struggle of the evolving animal species for supremacy.

61:0.2 During this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenozoic Cenozoic] age the world's landscape presented an attractive [[appearance]]—rolling hills, broad valleys, wide [[rivers]], and great forests. Twice during this sector of time the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_isthmus Panama Isthmus] went up and down; three times [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_Strait Bering Strait] land bridge did the same. The [[animal]] [[types]] were both many and varied. The trees swarmed with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birds birds], and the whole world was an [[animal]] [[paradise]], notwithstanding the incessant [[struggle]] of the evolving animal [[species]] for supremacy.

61:0.3 The accumulated deposits of the five periods of this fifty-million-year era contain the fossil records of the successive mammalian dynasties and lead right up through the times of the actual appearance of man himself.

61:0.3 The accumulated deposits of the five periods of this fifty-million-year era contain the [[fossil]] records of the successive mammalian dynasties and lead right up through the times of the [[actual]] [[appearance]] of [[man]] himself.

==61:1. THE NEW CONTINENTAL LAND STAGE-THE AGE OF EARLY MAMMALS==

==61:1. THE NEW CONTINENTAL LAND STAGE-THE AGE OF EARLY MAMMALS==

61:1.1 50,000,000 y ears ago the land areas of the world were very generally above water or only slightly submerged. The formations and deposits of this period are both land and marine, but chiefly land. For a considerable time the land gradually rose but was simultaneously washed down to the lower levels and toward the seas

61:1.1 50,000,000 y ears ago the [[land]] areas of the world were very generally above [[water]] or only slightly submerged. The formations and deposits of this period are both [[land]] and [[marine]], but chiefly land. For a considerable time the land [[gradually]] rose but was [[simultaneously]] washed down to the lower levels and toward the [[seas]].

61:1.2 Early in this period and in North America the placental type of mammals suddenly appeared, and they constituted the most important evolutionary development up to this time. Previous orders of nonplacental mammals had existed, but this new type sprang directly and suddenly from the pre-existent reptilian ancestor whose descendants had persisted on down through the times of dinosaur decline. The father of the placental mammals was a small, highly active, carnivorous, springing type of dinosaur.

61:1.2 Early in this period and in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America] the placental type of [[mammals]] suddenly appeared, and they [[constituted]] the most important [[evolutionary]] [[development]] up to this time. Previous orders of nonplacental [[mammals]] had existed, but this new [[type]] sprang directly and suddenly from the pre-existent [[reptilian]] [[ancestor]] whose descendants had [[persisted]] on down through the times of [[dinosaur]] decline. The [[father]] of the [[placental]] [[mammals]] was a small, highly [[active]], [[carnivorous]], springing type of dinosaur.

61:1.3 Basic mammalian instincts began to be manifested in these primitive mammalian types. Mammals possess an immense survival advantage over all other forms of animal life in that they can:

61:1.3 Basic [[mammalian]] [[instincts]] began to be [[manifested]] in these [[primitive]] mammalian types. [[Mammals]] [[possess]] an immense [[survival]] advantage over all other [[forms]] of [[animal]] life in that they can:

*1. Bring forth relatively mature and well-developed offspring.

*1. ''Bring forth [[relatively]] [[mature]] and well-developed [[offspring]].''

*2. Nourish, nurture, and protect their offspring with affectionate regard.

*2. ''Nourish, [[nurture]], and [[protect]] their [[offspring]] with [[affectionate]] regard.''

*3. Employ their superior brain power in self-perpetuation.

*3. ''Employ their superior [[brain]] [[power]] in self-perpetuation.''

*4. Utilize increased agility in escaping from enemies.

*4. ''Utilize increased [[agility]] in escaping from enemies.''

*5. Apply superior intelligence to environmental adjustment and adaptation.

*5. ''Apply superior [[intelligence]] to [[environmental]] [[adjustment]] and adaptation.''

61:1.4 45,000,000 years ago the continental backbones were elevated in association with a very general sinking of the coast lines. Mammalian life was evolving rapidly. A small reptilian, egg-laying type of mammal flourished, and the ancestors of the later kangaroos roamed Australia. Soon there were small horses, fleet-footed rhinoceroses, tapirs with proboscises, primitive pigs, squirrels, lemurs, opossums, and several tribes of monkeylike animals. They were all small, primitive, and best suited to living among the forests of the mountain regions. A large ostrichlike land bird developed to a height of ten feet and laid an egg nine by thirteen inches. These were the ancestors of the later gigantic passenger birds that were so highly intelligent, and that onetime transported human beings through the air.

61:1.4 45,000,000 years ago the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continents continental] backbones were elevated in association with a very general sinking of the coast lines. [[Mammalian]] life was evolving rapidly. A small [[reptilian]], egg-laying type of mammal flourished, and the [[ancestors]] of the later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroos kangaroos] roamed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia Australia]. Soon there were small [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses horses], fleet-footed rhinoceroses, tapirs with proboscises, primitive pigs, squirrels, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemurs lemurs], opossums, and several tribes of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey monkeylike] animals. They were all small, [[primitive]], and best suited to living among the forests of the [[mountain]] regions. A large ostrichlike [[land]] bird developed to a height of ten feet and laid an egg nine by thirteen inches. These were the [[ancestors]] of the later gigantic passenger birds that were so highly [[intelligent]], and that onetime [[transported]] [[human beings]] through the [[air]].

61:1.5 The mammals of the early Cenozoic lived on land, under the water, in the air, and among the treetops. They had from one to eleven pairs of mammary glands, and all were covered with considerable hair. In common with the later appearing orders, they developed two successive sets of teeth and possessed large brains in comparison to body size. But among them all no modern forms existed.

61:1.5 The [[mammals]] of the early [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenozoic Cenozoic] lived on [[land]], under the [[water]], in the [[air]], and among the treetops. They had from one to eleven pairs of mammary glands, and all were covered with considerable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair hair]. In common with the later appearing [[orders]], they developed two successive sets of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teeth teeth] and possessed large [[brains]] in comparison to [[body]] size. But among them all no modern forms existed.

61:1.6 40,000,000 y ears ago the land areas of the Northern Hemisphere began to elevate, and this was followed by new extensive land deposits and other terrestrial activities, including lava flows, warping, lake formation, and erosion.

61:1.6 40,000,000 years ago the [[land]] areas of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_hemisphere Northern Hemisphere] began to elevate, and this was followed by new extensive [[land]] deposits and other [[terrestrial]] [[activities]], including [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava lava] flows, warping, [[lake]] formation, and [[erosion]].

61:1.7 During the latter part of this epoch most of Europe was submerged. Following a slight land rise the continent was covered by lakes and bays. The Arctic Ocean, through the Ural depression, ran south to connect with the Mediterranean Sea as it was then expanded northward, the highlands of the Alps, Carpathians, Apennines, and Pyrenees being up above the water as islands of the sea. The Isthmus of Panama was up; the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were separated. North America was connected with Asia by the Bering Strait land bridge and with Europe by way of Greenland and Iceland. The earth circuit of land in northern latitudes was broken only by the Ural Straits, which connected the arctic seas with the enlarged Mediterranean.

61:1.7 During the latter part of this [[epoch]] most of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] was submerged. Following a slight land rise the continent was covered by [[lakes]] and bays. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Ocean Arctic Ocean], through the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urals Ural] depression, ran south to [[connect]] with the [[Mediterranean]] Sea as it was then expanded northward, the highlands of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alps Alps], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpathian_Mountains Carpathians], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apennines Apennines], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees Pyrenees] being up above the [[water]] as islands of the sea. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isthmus of Panama Isthmus of Panama] was up; the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were separated. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America] was connected with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia] by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_Strait Bering Strait] land bridge and with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland Greenland] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland]. The [[earth]] circuit of [[land]] in northern latitudes was broken only by the Ural Straits, which connected the arctic seas with the enlarged [[Mediterranean]].

61:1.8 Considerable foraminiferal limestone was deposited in European waters. Today this same stone is elevated to a height of 10,000 feet in the Alps, 16,000 feet in the Himalayas, and 20,000 feet in Tibet. The chalk deposits of this period are found along the coasts of Africa and Australia, on the west coast of South America, and about the West Indies.

61:1.8 Considerable foraminiferal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone limestone] was deposited in European waters. Today this same stone is elevated to a height of 10,000 feet in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alps Alps], 16,000 feet in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayas Himalayas], and 20,000 feet in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet Tibet]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalk chalk] deposits of this period are found along the coasts of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa Africa] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia Australia], on the west coast of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America South America], and about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indies West Indies].

61:1.9 Throughout this so-called Eocene period the evolution of mammalian and other related forms of life continued with little or no interruption. North America was then connected by land with every continent except Australia, and the world was gradually overrun by primitive mammalian fauna of various types.

61:1.9 Throughout this so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eocene Eocene] period the [[evolution]] of [[mammalian]] and other related forms of life continued with little or no interruption. North America was then [[connected]] by land with every [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continent continent] except [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia Australia], and the world was gradually overrun by [[primitive]] mammalian fauna of various types.

==61:2. THE RECENT FLOOD STAGE-THE AGE OF ADVANCED MAMMALS==

==61:2. THE RECENT FLOOD STAGE-THE AGE OF ADVANCED MAMMALS==

61:2.1 This period was characterized by the further and rapid evolution of placental mammals, the more progressive forms of mammalian life developing during these times.

61:2.1 This period was characterized by the further and rapid [[evolution]] of [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutheria placental mammals], the more [[progressive]] forms of mammalian life developing during these times.

61:2.2 Although the early placental mammals sprang from carnivorous ancestors, very soon herbivorous branches developed, and, erelong, omnivorous mammalian families also sprang up. The angiosperms were the principal food of the rapidly increasing mammals, the modern land flora, including the majority of present-day plants and trees, having appeared during earlier periods.

61:2.2 Although the early [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutheria placental mammals] sprang from [[carnivorous]] [[ancestors]], very soon herbivorous branches [[developed]], and, erelong, omnivorous mammalian families also sprang up. The [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiosperms angiosperms] were the principal [[food]] of the rapidly increasing [[mammals]], the modern land flora, including the [[majority]] of present-day [[plants]] and [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trees trees], having appeared during earlier periods.

61:2.3 35,000,000 years ago marks the beginning of the age of placental-mammalian world domination. The southern land bridge was extensive, reconnecting the then enormous Antarctic continent with South America, South Africa, and Australia. In spite of the massing of land in high latitudes, the world climate remained relatively mild because of the enormous increase in the size of the tropic seas, nor was the land elevated sufficiently to produce glaciers. Extensive lava flows occurred in Greenland and Iceland, some coal being deposited between these layers.

61:2.3 35,000,000 years ago marks the beginning of the age of [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutheria placental-mammalian] world [[domination]]. The southern land bridge was extensive, reconnecting the then enormous [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctica Antarctic continent] with [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America South America], [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa South Africa], and [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia Australia]. In spite of the massing of [[land]] in high latitudes, the world [[climate]] remained [[relatively]] mild because of the enormous increase in the size of the [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropics tropic seas], nor was the [[land]] elevated sufficiently to produce [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaciers glaciers]. Extensive lava flows occurred in [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland Greenland] and [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland], some coal being deposited between these layers.

61:2.4 Marked changes were taking place in the fauna of the planet. The sea life was undergoing great modification; most of the present-day orders of marine life were in existence, and foraminifers continued to play an important role. The insect life was much like that of the previous era. The Florissant fossil beds of Colorado belong to the later years of these far-distant times. Most of the living insect families go back to this period, but many then in existence are now extinct, though their fossils remain.

61:2.4 Marked [[changes]] were taking place in the fauna of the [[planet]]. The sea life was undergoing great [[modification]]; most of the present-day [[orders]] of [[marine]] life were in [[existence]], and [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foraminifers foraminifers] continued to play an important role. The [ [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insects insect] life was much like that of the previous era. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florissant_Fossil_Beds_National_Monument Florissant fossil beds of Colorado] belong to the later years of these far-distant times. Most of the living [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insects insect] [[families]] go back to this period, but many then in [[existence]] are now [[extinct]], though their [[fossils]] remain.

61:2.5 On land this was pre-eminently the age of mammalian renovation and expansion. Of the earlier and more primitive mammals, over one hundred species were extinct before this period ended. Even the mammals of large size and small brain soon perished. Brains and agility had replaced armor and size in the progress of animal survival. And with the dinosaur family on the decline, the mammals slowly assumed domination of the earth, speedily and completely destroying the remainder of their reptilian ancestors.

61:2.5 On [[land]] this was pre-eminently the age of mammalian renovation and expansion. Of the earlier and more [[primitive]] [[mammals]], over one hundred [[species]] were [[extinct]] before this period ended. Even the mammals of large size and small [[brain]] soon perished. [[Brains]] and [[agility]] had replaced [[armor]] and size in the [[progress]] of [[animal]] [[survival]]. And with the [[dinosaur]] [[family]] on the decline, the mammals slowly assumed [[domination]] of the [[earth]], speedily and completely destroying the remainder of their [[reptilian]] [[ancestors]].

61:2.6 Along with the disappearance of the dinosaurs, other and great changes occurred in the various branches of the saurian family. The surviving members of the early reptilian families are turtles, snakes, and crocodiles, together with the venerable frog, the only remaining group representative of man's earlier ancestors.

61:2.6 Along with the disappearance of the [[dinosaurs]], other and great [[changes]] occurred in the various branches of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saurian saurian] family. The surviving members of the early [[reptilian]] families are turtles, snakes, and crocodiles, together with the venerable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogs frog], the only remaining [[group]] [[representative]] of man's earlier [[ancestors]].

61:2.7 Various groups of mammals had their origin in a unique animal now extinct. This carnivorous creature was something of a cross between a cat and a seal; it could live on land or in water and was highly intelligent and very active. In Europe the ancestor of the canine family evolved, soon giving rise to many species of small dogs. About the same time the gnawing rodents, including beavers, squirrels, gophers, mice, and rabbits, appeared and soon became a notable form of life, very little change having since occurred in this family. The later deposits of this period contain the fossil remains of dogs, cats, coons, and weasels in ancestral form.

61:2.7 Various [[groups]] of [[mammals]] had their [[origin]] in a [[unique]] [[animal]] now [[extinct]]. This [[carnivorous]] creature was something of a cross between a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats cat] and a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals seal]; it could live on [[land]] or in [[water]] and was highly [[intelligent]] and very [[active]]. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] the [[ancestor]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog canine] family evolved, soon giving rise to many [[species]] of small dogs. About the same time the gnawing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodents rodents], including beavers, squirrels, gophers, mice, and rabbits, appeared and soon became a notable form of life, very little [[change]] having since occurred in this [[family]]. The later deposits of this period contain the [[fossil]] remains of dogs, cats, coons, and weasels in [[ancestral]] [[form]].

61:2.8 30,000,000 years ago the modern types of mammals began to make their appearance. Formerly the mammals had lived for the greater part in the hills, being of the mountainous types; suddenly there began the evolution of the plains or hoofed type, the grazing species, as differentiated from the clawed flesh eaters. These grazers sprang from an undifferentiated ancestor having five toes and forty-four teeth, which perished before the end of the age. Toe evolution did not progress beyond the three-toed stage throughout this period.

61:2.8 30,000,000 years ago the modern [[types]] of mammals began to make their [[appearance]]. Formerly the [[mammals]] had lived for the greater part in the hills, being of the [[mountainous]] types; suddenly there began the [[evolution]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain plains] or hoofed type, the grazing [[species]], as differentiated from the clawed flesh eaters. These grazers sprang from an undifferentiated [[ancestor]] having five toes and forty-four teeth, which perished before the end of the age. Toe [[evolution]] did not progress beyond the three-toed stage throughout this period.

61:2.9 The horse, an outstanding example of evolution, lived during these times in both North America and Europe, though his development was not fully completed until the later ice age. While the rhinoceros family appeared at the close of this period, it underwent its greatest expansion subsequently. A small hoglike creature also developed which became the ancestor of the many species of swine, peccaries, and hippopotamuses. Camels and llamas had their origin in North America about the middle of this period and overran the western plains. Later, the llamas migrated to South America, the camels to Europe, and soon both were extinct in North America, though a few camels survived up to the ice age.

61:2.9 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse horse], an outstanding example of [[evolution]], lived during these times in both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe], though his [[development]] was not fully completed until the later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Age ice age]. While the rhinoceros family appeared at the close of this period, it underwent its greatest expansion subsequently. A small hoglike creature also developed which became the [[ancestor]] of the many species of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Boar swine], peccaries, and hippopotamuses. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camels Camels] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llamas llamas] had their [[origin]] in North America about the middle of this period and overran the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plains western plains]. Later, the llamas migrated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America South America], the camels to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe], and soon both were [[extinct]] in North America, though a few camels survived up to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_age ice age].

61:2.10 About this time a notable thing occurred in western North America: The early ancestors of the ancient lemurs first made their appearance. While this family cannot be regarded as true lemurs, their coming marked the establishment of the line from which the true lemurs subsequently sprang.

61:2.10 About this time a notable thing occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Cordillera_%28North_America%29 western North America]: The early [[ancestors]] of the ancient [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemurs lemurs] first made their [[appearance]]. While this [[family]] cannot be regarded as true lemurs, their coming marked the [[establishment]] of the line from which the true [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemurs lemurs] subsequently sprang.

61:2.11 Like the land serpents of a previous age which betook themselves to the seas, now a whole tribe of placental mammals deserted the land and took up their residence in the oceans. And they have ever since remained in the sea, yielding the modern whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions.

61:2.11 Like the [[land]] serpents of a previous age which betook themselves to the [[seas]], now a whole tribe of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placental_mammals placental mammals] deserted the [[land]] and took up their residence in the [[oceans]]. And they have ever since remained in the sea, yielding the modern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whales whales], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphins dolphins], porpoises, seals, and sea lions.

61:2.12 The bird life of the planet continued to develop, but with few important evolutionary changes. The majority of modern birds were existent, including gulls, herons, flamingoes, buzzards, falcons, eagles, owls, quails, and ostriches.

61:2.12 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birds bird life] of the [[planet]] continued to [[develop]], but with few important [[evolutionary]] [[changes]]. The [[majority]] of modern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birds birds] were existent, including gulls, herons, flamingoes, buzzards, falcons, eagles, owls, quails, and ostriches.

61:2.13 By the close of this Oligocene period, covering ten million years, the plant life, together with the marine life and the land animals, had very largely evolved and was present on earth much as today. Considerable specialization has subsequently appeared, but the ancestral forms of most living things were then alive.

61:2.13 By the close of this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligocen Oligocene] period, covering ten million years, the [[plant]] life, together with the [[marine]] life and the [[land]] [[animals]], had very largely evolved and was present on [[earth]] much as today. Considerable specialization has subsequently appeared, but the [[ancestral]] [[forms]] of most living [[things]] were then alive.

==61:3. THE MODERN MOUNTAIN STAGE-AGE OF THE ELEPHANT AND THE HORSE==

==61:3. THE MODERN MOUNTAIN STAGE-AGE OF THE ELEPHANT AND THE HORSE==

61:3.1 Land elevation and sea segregation were slowly changing the world's weather, gradually cooling it, but the climate was still mild. Sequoias and magnolias grew in Greenland, but the subtropical plants were beginning to migrate southward. By the end of this period these warm-climate plants and trees had largely disappeared from the northern latitudes, their places being taken by more hardy plants and the deciduous trees.

61:3.1 [[Land]] elevation and [[sea]] [[segregation]] were slowly changing the world's [[weather]], gradually cooling it, but the [[climate]] was still mild. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoias Sequoias] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolias magnolias] grew in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland Greenland], but the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtropic subtropical] [[plants]] were beginning to migrate southward. By the end of this period these warm-[[climate]] [[plants]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trees trees] had largely disappeared from the northern latitudes, their places being taken by more hardy plants and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous deciduous] trees.

61:3.2 There was a great increase in the varieties of grasses, and the teeth of many mammalian species gradually altered to conform to the present-day grazing type.

61:3.2 There was a great increase in the varieties of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grass grasses], and the teeth of many [[mammalian]] [[species]] gradually altered to [[conform]] to the present-day grazing type.

61:3.3 25,000,000 years ago there was a slight land submergence following the long epoch of land elevation. The Rocky Mountain region remained highly elevated so that the deposition of erosion material continued throughout the lowlands to the east. The Sierras were well re-elevated; in fact, they have been rising ever since. The great four-mile vertical fault in the California region dates from this time.

61:3.3 25,000,000 years ago there was a slight land submergence following the long [[epoch]] of land elevation. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain Rocky Mountain] region remained highly elevated so that the deposition of [[erosion]] [[material]] continued throughout the lowlands to the east. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierras Sierras] were well re-elevated; in [[fact]], they have been rising ever since. The great [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Andreas_Fault four-mile vertical fault(?)] in the California region dates from this time.

61:3.4 20,000,000 years ago was indeed the golden age of mammals. Bering Strait land bridge was up, and many groups of animals migrated to North America from Asia, including the four-tusked mastodons, short-legged rhinoceroses, and many varieties of the cat family.

61:3.4 20,000,000 years ago was indeed the golden age of [[mammals]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_Strait Bering Strait] land bridge was up, and many [[groups]] of [[animals]] migrated to North America from Asia, including the four-tusked mastodons, short-legged rhinoceroses, and many varieties of the cat family.

61:3.5 The first deer appeared, and North America was soon overrun by ruminants—deer, oxen, camels, bison, and several species of rhinoceroses—but the giant pigs, more than six feet tall, became extinct.

61:3.5 The first deer appeared, and North America was soon overrun by ruminants—deer, oxen, camels, bison, and several species of rhinoceroses—but the giant pigs, more than six feet tall, became extinct.