Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Neogene: Entelodonts
Living between 45 to 25 million years ago, Entelodonts were large pig-like animals standing up to 7 feet tall (Discovery Channel 2010). Entelodonts, scientists believe, were mean animals that frequently fought each other by bashing heads and biting (Marais 2010). At about 750 pounds each and with skulls about 3 feet long, Entelodonts had a brain about the size of an orange (Schaeffer 2010). Entelodonts had bony lumps on the front of their skulls, which most likely evolved to protect the delicate areas of the face during fights (Discovery Channel 2010). Fossilized bones have been discovered with teeth marks on them, teeth marks that were inflicted by other Entelodonts (Marais 2010). Entelodonts were scavengers, feeding off the carcasses of animals. But Entelodonts were omnivores and would also eat plants if carcasses were not available (Discovery Channel 2010). To give a better example of how big these creatures were, a canine was found that was a 5 ½ " long. Entelodonts belong to the suborder Suina, which also includes the modern day pig (Schaeffer 2010). Entelodonts have been found mostly on the Mongolian plains, but there have also been fossilized remains found in North America (Marais 2010).

Page by Julia Bobo
Computer generated artist’s rendition of Entelodonts fighting, perhaps over territory. Photo From:"Walking with Beasts".

Marais K. 2010. A Review of Beasts. University of The Western Cape. Accessed on April 19th, 2010.

Discovery Channel. 2010. Beast Gallery. Accessed on April 19, 2010.

Schaeffer D. 2010. Entelodonts. Accessed on April 19, 2010.