Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/the-rise-and-fall-of-giant-sloths-uncovering-their-epic-journey/
The earth once echoed with the slow, deliberate movements of giant sloths-colossal creatures whose imposing presence dominated prehistoric landscapes. Recent scientific investigations, highlighted in a new study published in Science, shed light on the rise and eventual extinction of these fascinating megafauna. By unraveling their evolutionary history and the environmental pressures that sealed their fate, researchers offer fresh insights into how climate change and human activity intertwined to reshape ecosystems and erase a chapter of natural history.
Giant Sloths Rise to Ecological Dominance in Prehistoric South America
During the Miocene and Pleistocene epochs, giant sloths evolved into some of the largest terrestrial herbivores in South America, reshaping entire ecosystems through their unique grazing and browsing habits. These colossal creatures, some reaching the size of modern-day elephants, played a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of prehistoric forests and grasslands. By selectively feeding on vegetation and dispersing seeds, they influenced the composition of plant communities and created habitats that supported diverse fauna. Their slow metabolism and massive size deterred most predators, allowing them to flourish for millions of years.
Key ecological impacts included:
- Regulation of forest undergrowth density
- Promotion of seed dispersal for large-fruited plant species
- Creation of nutrient-rich soil patches through dung deposition
- Serving as prey for…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-06-18 08:51:00
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