interatheriids

Interatheriids were a family of extinct South American mammals that lived during the Paleogene and Neogene periods. These herbivores are classified within the order Notoungulata, a diverse group of ungulates endemic to South America. Interatheriids are characterized by their peculiar dentition, which often included continuously growing incisors and molars, adapted for grinding tough plant material. Their skull morphology varied, but generally reflected a herbivorous diet.

Fossil evidence of interatheriids has been found across various South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay. Their evolutionary history is complex, with numerous genera and species described, though the precise relationships between them are still debated among paleontologists. Some interatheriids were relatively small, while others were of moderate size. They occupied a range of ecological niches within the South American continent before their eventual extinction. The reasons for their disappearance are not fully understood but likely involved environmental changes and competition. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the ancient mammalian fauna of South America and the evolutionary processes that shaped it.