Yariguares

Yariguares are a genus of extinct medium-sized to large terrestrial carnivorous mammals that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 72-65 million years ago. Their fossil remains have been found in North and South America.

The name "Yariguares" means "large cave animal" in Gwich'in, a language from Canada's Northwest Territories. This refers to the fact that many Yariguares fossils were discovered in caves in the United States and Canada.

Scientific analysis of Yariguares fossils has revealed a unique combination of physical characteristics. They were likely massive animals, with some species estimated to have weighed several tons. Yariguares had powerful legs and sharp teeth, which were likely used to prey on large herbivorous mammals. They also had a distinctive combination of arm and body proportions, with relatively long arms compared to their body size.

Several species have been identified within the Yariguares genus. These include Y. geologi, Y. dens, and Y. vivus. Each species had distinct physical characteristics, such as different arm and body proportions.

The extinct genus Yariguares is considered important for understanding the evolution of terrestrial carnivorous mammals. Fossil discoveries from the Late Cretaceous period have provided valuable insights into the diversity of life during the Cretaceous era. The terms is durability and rich fossil record make the Yariguares genus a significant area of ongoing research and study. This helps expand scientific knowledge of the evolution and extinction of prehistoric animals.