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Prehistoric Mammals
Prehistoric Mammals are groups of mammals that lived long before humans existed. Some of the first Prehistoric Mammals appeared about 165 million years ago during the time of the Dinosaurs. Mammals would later become the dominating animal group after the dinosaur’s demise.
Acrophyseter was the prehistoric version of a sperm whale. Although, you will be shocked to hear that these sperm whales had a long pointed snout and sharp teeth which means that it was a carnivorous animal. They were not the type of whales that would feed on microscopic plankton.
In fact, the Acrophyseter had a diet that even involved eating other small whales. They also ate fish, birds, sharks, penguins and seals. They could be found in the Pacific Ocean, and they lived approximated 6 million years ago during the late Miocene period. These whales would probably create fear in sailors if they lived today.
Aelurodon is another one of the prehistoric mammals of the late Miocene period. It lived approximately 9 to 16 million years ago and had a strong dog-like build. They had strong jaws and teeth and were very hyena-like. Aelurodon hunted animals on the grassy plains of North America.
It is suspected that the Aelurodon's prey was commonly aging or diseased animals or any leftover carcasses. They were scavengers and they also hunted in packs like the modern wild dogs and hyenas of today.
Afropithecus was a prehistoric ape that that has been found in the jungles of Africa. They existed during the middle Miocene period and were large in size, had a longish snout and had large teeth. They also walked more like a monkey than an ape. These prehistoric apes were some of the first true apes in the world.
The American Cheetah was a hunted its prey on the grassy plains of North America. It lived during the Pleistocene-Modern era which was 2 million to 10,000 years ago. It is believed that the American Cheetah was closely related to Pumas and Cougars.
Arsinoitherium was a prehistoric mammal that inhabited the plains of North Africa. It lived during the late Eocene to Early Oligocene period 30 to 35 million years ago. Arsinoitherium had two rhinoceros-like horns on its head; it is believed by scientists that these horns were not used to scare off predators but rather for display to attract members of the opposite sex. Arsinoitherium’s battery of teeth were adapted to process tough plants, it was an herbivore like the modern rhinoceros.
Prehistoric Mammals List