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Ground Sloths(Megatherium) Ground sloths were large relatives of the modern two-toed and three-toed sloths. They evolved in South America around 35 million years ago, and migrated into North America, starting around 8 million years ago, with the last species arriving during the Pleistocene. All four species became extinct approximately 10,000 years ago. The reason for their extinction is not currently known.
Distribution and Habitat
Jefferson's and Harlan's Ground Sloths are the only two species found in the Midwestern United States. Diet The flat grinding teeth of the Harlan's Ground Sloth suggest a diet of grasses, but they may have also fed on leaves, tree roots, and twigs. Shasta Ground Sloth was most likely a browser. Fossilized dung shows that it fed on many species of plants such as yuccas, agaves, Joshua trees, globe mallows, mesquite and cacti.
Fossil History The first report of a fossilized ground sloth in North America came from Thomas Jefferson. The fossils that were subsequently named for him were found in a cave in West Virginia in 1799. Numerous fossil remains of Harlan's Ground Sloths have been found at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Several complete ground sloth skeletons have been found within caves. Some of those skeletons have been found complete with hair, skin and tendons still attached. Fossilized dung has also been excavated from many caves, allowing scientists to gain information about the diet of these giant animals. Scientific Classification phylum Chordata Questions or comments about this page?
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