Agriotherium

Agriotherium is an extinct genus of bear that evolved from Indarctos and existed from 9 million to 2 million years ago from the late Miocene epoch into the late Pliocene. Like the Arctodus, Agriotherium is often described as a giant short faced bear. It measured about 2.7 meters or 9 feet in length and had rather primative teeth and a number of dog-like characteristics. The Agriotherium had teeth capable of crushing bone which indicates that it was probably a predator-scavanger. It had stronger jaws than any other carnivore known of, past or present. The shape and wear pattern of its teeth, however, indicate that its diet also contained a large amount of plant matter.

Over 10 species of Agriotherium have been suggested, having a very wide geographic range. It is one of just several bear genera known to have existed in Africa. The earliest forms existed in Asia around 9 million years ago and entered Africa from Eurasia about 6 million years ago. They were found to have existed in North and Central America from 7 to 5 million years ago. At least 2 species have also been found in India. Agriotherium is believed to have become extinct due to competition with other carnivorous creatures when numerous mammals of North America died off as a result of climatic changes.

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