Entelodon (meaning 'complete teeth', from Ancient Greekἐντελήςentelēs 'complete' and ὀδώνodōn 'tooth', referring to its "complete" eutherian dentition[1]), formerly called Elotherium, is an extinctgenus of entelodontartiodactyl endemic to Eurasia. Fossils of species are found in Paleogene strata ranging in age from the Houldjinian (37.2–33.9 mya) until the Rupelian epoch of the early Oligocene (33.9–28.4 mya).[2]
Entelodon was a fairly typical entelodont, with a large, bulky body, slender legs, and a long snout.[3][1][4][5]
Like other entelodonts, Entelodon had complete eutherian dentition (3 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, and 3 molars per quadrant). It had only two toes on each foot, and its legs were built for fast running.[6] Its long, wide head was supported by a robust, short neck,[6] and its cheekbones were greatly enlarged and protruded noticeably from the sides of the head.[7] Though it was more closely related to hippos and whales than pigs, its skull was generally pig-like.[6][7] It is presumed to have been an omnivore.
European species of Entelodon were around 1.35 metres (4 ft 5 in) tall at the shoulders, with a 65 centimetres (26 in) skull.[6]Entelodon major, known from the Kutanbulak Formation in Kazakhstan was around 1.70 metres (5 ft 7 in) tall at the shoulders, with a 80 centimetres (31 in) skull, making it one of the largest entelodonts.
Paleoecology
Restoration of E. magnus
Entelodon remains are primarily known from Europe,[8][9][10] although fossils have also been found in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and even as far east as Japan.
Entelodon magnus populated a broad swath of Europe, with remains found in Spain, Germany, France, Romania, and the Caucasus. Extensive remains of Entelodon deguilhemi were uncovered in Vayres-sur-Essonne, France.[6][11] The Chinese Entelodon dirus is known from a single tooth discovered in Nei Mongol.[12]
^ abFoss, Scott E. (2007). "Family Entelodontidae". In Prothero, Donald R.; Foss, Scott E. (eds.). The Evolution of Artiodactyls. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 120–129. ISBN9780801887352.
^ abcdeAgustí, J and Antón, M (2002). Mammoths, Sabertooths, and Hominids: 65 Million Years of Mammalian Evolution in Europe. Retrieved from Google Books
^ abJoeckel, R. M. (1990). "A Functional Interpretation of the Masticatory System and Paleoecology of Entelodonts". Paleobiology. 16 (4): 459–482. doi:10.1017/S0094837300010198. JSTOR2400970.
^Aymard, A. (1846). "Essai monographique sur un nouveau genre de mammifere' fossile trouve dans la Haute-Loire, et nomme Entelodon". Annales de la Société d'Agriculture, Sciences, Arts et Commerce du Puy. 12: 227–267.
