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 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?
What Is a Glyptodon?
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.
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.
Not Completely Gone
The enormous size of the glyptodons has raised some questions about their lineage, but scientists believe that they are the ancient ancestors of an animal that most have us have seen at least once or twice in our lives. It is a much smaller mammal that is also covered by a protective shell.
Although they are vastly different in size, it turns out that the enormous prehistoric glyptodons are related to the medium-sized modern-day armadillo. When you take their size into account, there is one more surprising thing scientists found out about the glyptodon fossil the Argentinian farmer stumbled upon.