Animal of the Day!
Andrewsarchus (Andrewsarchus mongoliensis)
(Photo from American Museum of Natural History)
Conservation Status- Extinct
Habitat- Mongolia
Estimated Size (Weight/Length)- 1 tonne; 5 m
Diet- Large mammals; Carrion
Time Period- Late Eocene
Cool Facts- The Andrewsarchus may be one of the most mysterious animals of the late Eocene. With only one skull found in 1923, it has been estimated that Andrewsarchus is the largest terrestrial carnivore in history. Being the size of a horse and as fast as one, this hoofed predator could take down the other megafauna that roamed ancient Mongolia with ease. Andrewsarchus sports enlarged secondary canines that most likely would have been deadly with a crushing bite force thanks to its elongated snout. Comparing Andrewsarchus to other mesonychids, paleontologists have assumed that they had relatively short legs for their long body and massive head.
Rating- 12/10 (Just wait until we find a complete one.)
