megastictus

Megastictus is a genus of large, extinct mammals that lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 to 5 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in North America, particularly in the western United States. Megastictus is characterized by its large size, robust build, and distinctive features such as a large, flat skull and powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth. These animals were likely herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants.

The genus Megastictus includes several species, with Megastictus gigas being one of the most well-known. M. gigas is estimated to have weighed up to 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds) and stood over 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall at the shoulder. This makes it one of the largest known land mammals of the Miocene epoch.

The fossils of Megastictus have provided valuable insights into the evolution of large mammals and the ecosystems of the Miocene. They are often compared to modern elephants and rhinoceroses, although they are not closely related to these animals. The extinction of Megastictus is thought to be related to the gradual cooling of the climate during the Miocene, which led to a decrease in the availability of suitable habitats and food sources.