Quck answer
Hell pigs, also known as Entelodonts, were prehistoric mammals that lived from the Eocene to the early Miocene period. They were massive, carnivorous creatures with sharp teeth and strong jaws, capable of hunting and killing other animals. Hell pigs were also known for their unusual appearance, with bony bumps on their skulls and a distinctively pig-like snout. Despite their fearsome reputation, hell pigs went extinct around 19 million years ago, leaving behind only fossils to hint at their former existence.
Entelodonts, also known as ‘hell pigs’, inhabited Eurasia, North America, and Africa for millions of years. In 1999, a bonebed was discovered near Douglas, Wyoming, containing fossilized skeletons of at least six different Poebrotherium camels. The skeletons were relatively small compared to today’s hump-backed camels and were deposited around 33.4 million years ago. The back legs and hips of the camels were missing, and toothmarks were present on the bones, suggesting that the pile of camel remains might have been a prehistoric meat locker.
Archaeotherium was a killer beast that lived during this time. Weighing an estimated 600 pounds and measuring 4.5 feet tall at the shoulder, it had long, thin legs, bony knobs on its jawbones, and a lengthy snout full of crushing teeth. Archaeotherium was part of a group of omnivores called entelodonts.
Nightmare Fuel
Entelodonts are sometimes called “terminator pigs” or “hell pigs,” but they weren’t actually pigs. Scientists used to believe that pigs and peccaries were the entelodonts’ closest living relatives, but a 2009 paper suggested that these creatures were more closely related to hippos, whales, and the long-extinct carnivore Andrewsarchus. More than 50 entelodont species have been discovered, with the oldest known being Eoentelodon yunanense, a pig-sized animal that lived in China approximately 38 million years ago.
Early entelodonts had short snouts, but natural selection lengthened their upper and lower jaws. Huge entelodonts, such as Daeodon, arrived on the scene shortly after. Daeodon lived on the Great Plains of North America and stood just under 7 feet tall at its shoulder and weighed 930 pounds or more.
Daeodon had a massive head that measured 3 feet (0.91 meters) long with powerful neck muscles and tall arches on its vertebrae to support it. Similar to bison or white rhinos, it may have had a visible hump on its back. The typical entelodont mouth consisted of long canine tusks and blunt cheek teeth, and entelodonts could open their mouths quite widely. They were capable of chopping up food by slamming their jaws together in a vertical motion and grinding food down by moving their jaws from side to side. Entelodonts were omnivores and probably scavengers who also took down live prey. They had long, flaring cheekbones and bony knobs on the undersides of their jaws that could have played a role in combat. Entelodonts went extinct about 16 million years ago, possibly due to the spread of new mammalian predators like the extinct “bear dogs.” “Entelodont” means “perfect tooth” in Greek.
FAQ
1. What were ‘Hell Pigs’?
‘Hell Pigs’ were prehistoric mammals also known as Entelodonts. They were large, aggressive creatures that roamed the Earth during the Oligocene and Miocene epochs, about 37 to 18 million years ago. They were about the size of a modern-day bison, but had a distinctive, pig-like face and powerful jaws. They were also known for their sharp, dagger-like canine teeth and bony forehead crest.
2. Why were they called ‘Hell Pigs’?
‘Hell Pigs’ earned their name due to their fearsome appearance and aggressive nature. They were known for their predatory behavior and would hunt and kill other animals, including small mammals, reptiles, and even other ‘Hell Pigs’. They were also scavengers and would eat carrion when necessary.
3. Where were ‘Hell Pigs’ found?
‘Hell Pigs’ were found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They lived in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
4. Why did ‘Hell Pigs’ go extinct?
The exact reason for the extinction of ‘Hell Pigs’ is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of factors, including changes in climate and habitat, competition with other predators, and possibly hunting by early humans. They disappeared from the fossil record around 18 million years ago.
5. How are ‘Hell Pigs’ related to modern-day pigs?
‘Hell Pigs’ are not closely related to modern-day pigs, despite their similar appearance. They are part of a larger group of mammals called the Artiodactyla, which includes pigs, deer, and cows. However, they are more closely related to modern-day hippos.
6. Have any complete ‘Hell Pig’ skeletons been found?
Complete ‘Hell Pig’ skeletons are rare, but fragmentary remains have been found in various parts of the world. One of the most complete skeletons was found in Nebraska, USA, and is on display at the University of Nebraska State Museum.
7. Could ‘Hell Pigs’ have survived if they had not gone extinct?
It is difficult to say whether ‘Hell Pigs’ could have survived if they had not gone extinct. However, their aggressive nature and large size may have made it difficult for them to coexist with other predators and compete for resources. In addition, changes in climate and habitat may have also posed a significant challenge to their survival.
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