Stegodon

Stegodon is an extinct genus of proboscideans that lived in Asia during the Neogene and Quaternary periods. These large, herbivorous mammals are characterized by their distinctive, low-crowned molars with a roof-like pattern of ridges. The name Stegodon itself derives from Greek words meaning "roof tooth," referring to this unique dental feature. Stegodon species varied in size, with some reaching proportions comparable to modern elephants, while others were smaller, more akin to rhinoceroses. They possessed tusks, though the extent and curvature differed among species.

Fossil evidence indicates that Stegodon inhabited a wide range of environments across Asia, from tropical forests to grasslands and savannas. Their diet consisted primarily of vegetation, and their powerful jaws and specialized teeth were well-suited for processing tough plant material. Stegodon populations declined and eventually disappeared, with the last known individuals likely perishing by the end of the Pleistocene epoch or early Holocene. Their extinction is thought to be linked to climate change and habitat alteration, possibly exacerbated by human activity. The relationship between Stegodon and other proboscidean families, such as elephants and mammoths, is a subject of ongoing scientific research.