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Glyptodonts

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Glyptodonts 

(Glyptodontidae), extinct mammals of the order Edentata, related to the armadillos. They existed from the early Eocene to the Pleistocene. Their size varied greatly, with the largest reaching a length of 2 m. The body of the glyptodont was covered with bony shields or a solid shell like that of the turtle. The short limbs had broad, hoof-like claws. The skull was small; there were no incisors or canine teeth, and the tall, prismatic teeth indicate a diet of coarse vegetation. Glyptodonts were distributed primarily in South America and also in the southern part of North America during the Pliocene and Pleistocene.

REFERENCES

Osnovy Paleontologii: Mlekopitaiushchie. Moscow, 1962.
Romer, A. S. Paleontologiia pozvonochnykh. Moscow-Leningrad, 1939. Pages 342-44. (Translated from English.)


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According to Dr Blanco, of the Faculty of Science in Montevideo, Uruguay, "We concluded several large species of glyptodonts used the tail clubs mainly for powerful blows in ritualised fighting but the small species used the tail clubs also in other situations as defence against predators.
Additionally, the glyptodonts were armadillo-like animals that measured up to sixteen feet long and carried hard, turtle-like shells on their backs, the only mammals so protected.
Among the discoveries unveiled, Denver airport is situated on the site of what was once a vast grazing ground for wildlife, while the sunshine state of Florida was inhabited by giant sloths and armoured glyptodonts.
 
 
 
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