Glyptotherium

/ɡlɪptoʊˈθɪəriəm/ noun

Definition

An extinct genus of large ground sloth from South America that lived millions of years ago.

Etymology

From Greek 'glyptos' (carved) and 'therion' (beast), named for the notched or carved-looking appearance of its teeth under a microscope.

Kelly Says

These massive creatures were about the size of today's hippopotamus and had specialized teeth that looked almost sculptural under magnification—paleontologists literally named them after their 'carved' dental features.

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