Theosodon Temporal range: Early-Mid Miocene (Santacrucian-Laventan) ~17.5–11.8 Ma |
|
---|---|
Theosodon patagonicum skull | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | †Litopterna |
Family: | Macraucheniidae |
Genus: |
Theosodon Ameghino 1887 |
Species | |
|
Theosodon is an extinct genus of litoptern mammal from the Early to Middle Miocene of South America.
Theosodon bore a superficial resemblance the modern guanaco, and was around 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length, weighing up to 95.6 kg. 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.Theosodon had a full set of 44 teeth, and its lower mandible was very thin and large.
Fossils of Theosodon have been found in: