Theosodon

Theosodon
Temporal range: Early Miocene
Theosodon patagonicum skull
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: †Litopterna
Family: Macraucheniidae
Genus: Theosodon
Ameghino, 1887
Species
  • T. lydekkeeri
  • T. garretorum
  • T. fontanus (fontanai)
  • T. gracilis
  • T. karaikensis
  • T. patagonica

Theosodon is an extinct genus of litoptern mammal from the early Miocene of South America.

Restoration of Theosodon garretorum and Borhyaena tuberata

Theosodon bore a superficial resemblance the modern guanaco, and was around 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length, weighing up to 95.6 kg.[1] It had a long neck and tapir-like, three-toed feet. Judging from the position of its nostrils, Theosodon had a short trunk, though shorter than its other relatives, such as Macrauchenia.[2]

Theosodon had a full set of 44 teeth, and its lower mandible was very thin and large.[3]

References

  1. ↑ D. Patterson, Bruce (2012) Agama mwanzae p.84
  2. ↑ Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 247. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
  3. ↑
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