History of Bear in Timeline
Bears, belonging to the Ursidae family, are carnivoran mammals classified as caniforms. Eight species exist, inhabiting diverse habitats across the Northern Hemisphere and parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including North America, South America, and Eurasia. Bears typically have large, stocky bodies, long snouts, small, rounded ears, shaggy fur, plantigrade paws with non-retractile claws, and short tails.
1902: Theodore Roosevelt and the Teddy Bear
In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a tied American black bear, inspiring the creation of the teddy bear.
1918: Arthur Rackham's Illustration of "The Three Bears"
In 1918, Arthur Rackham illustrated "The Three Bears", an early version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", which was originally published in 1837.
1944: Introduction of Smokey Bear
In 1944, Smokey Bear was introduced as a symbol, with the message "Only you can prevent forest fires".
1982: Introduction of the Care Bears
In 1982, the Care Bears were introduced as greeting cards, later becoming popular toys, clothing designs, and film characters.
1992: McLellan and Reiner Cladogram
In 1992, McLellan and Reiner presented a cladogram of bear subfamilies, contributing to one of the two phylogenetic hypotheses on bear species relationships.
1997: McKenna et al. Classification
In 1997, McKenna et al. implemented an alternative phylogenetic hypothesis, classifying all bear species into the superfamily Ursoidea and placing Hemicyoninae and Agriotheriinae in the family Hemicyonidae.
2005: Flynn's Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis
In 2005, Flynn's molecular phylogenetic analysis of six genes was published, showing the relationship of the bear family with other carnivorans.
2006: Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries UNESCO designation
In 2006, the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, home to about 30% of the wild panda population, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2014: Qiu et al. Cladogram
In 2014, Qiu et al. also contributed to a cladogram of the subfamilies of bears, adding to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among bear species.
2018: Law et al. Musteloids Update
In 2018, the musteloids were updated following the multigene analysis of Law et al., further clarifying the bear family's relationship with other carnivorans.
