stegodontid

Stegodontid is an extinct family of proboscideans that lived from the early Miocene to the late Pleistocene epoch. They are characterized by their distinctive dental structure, particularly their molars. Stegodontids are believed to have evolved in Asia and later spread to other parts of the continent. Their evolutionary relationships have been a subject of debate, with some classifications placing them as a subfamily within the Elephantidae or as a distinct family.

The most recognizable feature of stegodontids is their molar teeth, which are typically low-crowned and have a trefoil or trilophodont pattern on their grinding surfaces. This morphology suggests a diet of soft vegetation, such as leaves and fruits. The tusks, present in some species, varied in size and shape. Stegodontids ranged in size from relatively small to quite large, comparable to modern elephants.

Fossil evidence indicates that stegodontids inhabited a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands. They were widespread across Asia, with fossil discoveries made in regions extending from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and East Asia. The extinction of stegodontids likely resulted from a combination of factors, including climate change and competition with other herbivores, including elephants.