<i>Toxodon platensis</i> (IMAGE)

American Museum of Natural History

<i>Toxodon platensis</i>

Caption

Analysis of collagen preserved in fossils reveals that the unusual native ungulates of South America (such as Toxodon platensis, seen here) were more closely related to perissodactyls (horses and their allies) than to other living placental mammals. Rhino-sized Toxodon is estimated to have weighed about 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds).

Credit

© Peter Schouten

Usage Restrictions

Can be used with appropriate credit

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.