Harlans Ground SlothParamylodon harlani (Glossotherium harlani)
Harlans Ground Sloth or Paramylodon harlani (also known as Glossotherium harlani) was related to the modern tree sloths, but was much larger with a height of 6ft. (1.8M) and weighing 3,500 lbs. (1,600 kilograms).
It was a midsized Ground Sloth that had very powerful arms and legs, with large claws. The claws were probably used mostly for digging roots. They walked on the sides of there back feet.
Its back, shoulders and neck were protected with small pebble-size bony plates embedded in the skin called “dermal ossicles”. A major advantage against predators, these bony plates acted like armor. These dermal ossicles were associated with this type of Ground Sloth.
This Prehistoric Giant lived in open grasslands. Its teeth suggest a diet of grasses, but also feeding on leaves and tree roots. It had a finely tuned sense of smell, as shown by fossil nasal bones of the animal. Evolving in South America and migrating through the Isthmus of Panama about 3 Million Years ago to arrive in North America and Florida.
Covered with a thick, shaggy hair and having a keen sense of smell, they went extinct about 10 Thousand Years ago.
Eremotherium Ground Sloth Jefferson's Ground Sloth Back to Sloth Fossils Leave Harlans Ground Sloth /Go to Home Page
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