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Megatherium, giant ground sloth
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Megatherium, giant ground sloth
Skeleton of an extinct creature that roamed cool, dry, scrub and grasslands of South America 100, 000 years ago. On display at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8581741
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10710190
Bone Eutheria Folivora Giant Ground Sloth Mammalia Megathere Megatheriidae Megatherium Pilosa Placental Mammal Skeleton Sloth Theria Xenarthra
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EDITORS COMMENTS
great print showcasing the impressive skeleton of the extinct Megatherium, the giant ground sloth, which once roamed the cool, dry scrub and grasslands of South America approximately 100,000 years ago. This mammal, belonging to the order Xenarthra and the family Megatheriidae, is considered one of the largest mammals ever to have existed, with some estimates suggesting it could weigh up to 15 tons and reach lengths of up to 11 meters (36 feet). Megatherium, meaning "great beast" in Greek, was a folivorous, or leaf-eating, mammal, covered in coarse, shaggy fur, and equipped with powerful claws and elongated limbs adapted for moving about on the ground. Its anatomy reveals a unique combination of features characteristic of the placental mammal order Theria, including a four-chambered stomach for efficient digestion of plant matter, and a complex skull structure with well-developed cheek teeth for grinding foliage. This skeleton, now on display at the Natural History Museum in London, offers a fascinating glimpse into the anatomy and evolutionary history of this remarkable creature. The Megatherium's presence serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity that once inhabited our planet and the importance of preserving and studying the fossil records that tell the story of life on Earth. As a member of the order Pilosa, Megatherium is also related to modern-day anteaters and sloths, sharing the distinctive feature of having a two-layered, toothless, and highly mobile tongue for extracting food from tree trunks and crevices. Despite its intimidating size, this gentle giant likely played a crucial role in shaping its ecosystem by contributing to nutrient cycling and maintaining vegetation structure. In summary, this print of the Megatherium's skeleton is a captivating reminder of the awe-inspiring diversity and complexity of the natural world, and a testament to the importance of preserving and studying our planet's rich fossil records.
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