Schizodon

Schizodon is a genus of extinct herbivorous mammals that lived in South America during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs. These animals were part of the order Notoungulata, a diverse group of native South American ungulates. Schizodon fossils have been found in various South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The genus is characterized by its relatively large size, robust build, and distinctive dental features. Schizodon possessed hypsodont teeth, meaning they had high-crowned molars adapted for grinding tough plant material. Their incisors were also notable, often displaying a degree of specialization. Reconstructions of Schizodon suggest it was a quadrupedal animal with a body plan similar to modern ungulates, though its exact gait and posture are not fully understood. It likely inhabited terrestrial environments, such as savannas or open woodlands, where it grazed on vegetation. Schizodon is considered an important representative of early notoungulate evolution, providing insights into the diversification of South American mammals during the Cenozoic era. The genus contains several described species, which differ in size and subtle anatomical details.