They may not be as well known as other prehistoric creatures, such as the saber-toothed tiger or the giant sloth, but glyptodons were also commonplace during the last Ice Age. These mammals, each one approximately the size and weight of a Volkswagen Beetle, used to roam the Earth. They were well known for their thick carapace (rounded-plated armor) that measured about two inches thick.
Other characteristics of this species were a protective bony cap on the top of their skull and a spiked tail which they used to swing around to ward off predators or use for fights with other glyptodons. These animals were relatively peaceful herbivores that grazed near rivers and lakes.
An Elaborate Hoax?
More and more scientists spoke up about the discovery, and some even directly addressed the rumors of the supposed hoax. Some experts were unwilling to commit to an answer without studying the find themselves, while others felt that the footage and pictures of the shell were quite enough to give their opinion.
Prof. Adrian Lister of the Natural History Museum in London explained that it was quite common for these types of fossils to be found in flowing bodies of water where over time, natural erosion exposes ancient bones and shells. The mud that encased the object could also serve as a protective covering. But he had more to say.
The Enigma Explained
Prof. Lister believed that “It would be an ingenious hoaxer who would construct such a thing.” Regarding the hole found in the shell, he added, “The shell looks like a genuine glyptodon shell, and the hole is “wear and tear,” not where the head or tail went.”
Additional experts, who observed the images on television, tended to agree that the object appeared to be a glyptodon shell. Paleontologist Alejandro Kramarz of the Bernadino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum stated, “There is no doubt that it looks like a glyptodon.” But what do we know about this extraordinary animal?
Original Habitat
Although doubts were raised about the authenticity of the fossil found on the property of Jose Antonio Nievas, glyptodons are known to have originally evolved in South America, and the species resided there for tens of millions of years.
The remains of other glyptodons have also been found in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. When the continents of South and North America melded together, the Great American Interchange occurred, and the species migrated northward to the southern part of what is currently the United States. That all happened 2.5 million years ago, but the story is far from over.
The Path to Extinction
Paleontologist Alejandro Kramarz of the Bernadino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum told AFP that “The animal became extinct thousands of years ago, and it is very common to find their fossils in this region.” Even though these animals, which are now extinct, lived thousands of years ago, scientists are still studying their unexpected relationship with other species, which may have even led to their demise.
Experts have found evidence that humans used to hunt these enormous armored creatures in order to use their dome-shaped shells for shelter roughly 10,000 years ago, not long before the species became extinct. It is believed that the annihilation of the species coincided with the arrival of humans to the Americas. Humanity may have outlived these amazing creatures, but most of us know their contemporary relative.