mylodontids

Mylodontids were a family of extinct South American ground sloths that lived from the Oligocene epoch until the late Pleistocene epoch. They were a diverse group, ranging in size from small, dog-sized species to giants like Glossotherium, which was as large as a rhinoceros. Mylodontids are characterized by their large, clawed feet and their powerful, peg-like teeth, which were well-suited for grinding tough plant material. They are believed to have been herbivores, with their diet consisting of grasses, leaves, and fruits.

Fossil evidence suggests that mylodontids were widespread throughout South America, inhabiting a variety of environments from grasslands to forests. Some species, such as Mylodon darwinii, are known to have coexisted with early humans, and there is evidence of humans hunting and consuming them. The extinction of mylodontids likely resulted from a combination of factors, including climate change and human hunting pressure. Their fossils are found in various paleontological sites across the continent, providing valuable insights into the megafauna of prehistoric South America.