Glyptodon (original) (raw)

Approximate Size

4.9 ft tall, 11 ft long

Approximate Weight

4,400 lbs

Glyptodons are close relatives of the little armadillo. Like armadillos, glyptodons were plant eaters. Weighed more than 2 tons. It was a protected against hunters like terror birds by its thick armor. It could not withdraw its head into its shell as a turtle does, but it could wave its club tail to scare off predators. Humans sometimes lived in the shells of dead glyptodons.

Fun Facts!

Glyptodons preferred warm and humid areas, but were also adapted to living in cold areas. The main feature of glyptodons was their tortoise-like body armour that was made of bone segments called osteoderms or scutes. With this protection, they were armored like turtles, but unlike most turtles, could not withdraw their heads. Instead they had a bony cap on the top of their skull. Even the tail of glyptodons had a ring of bones for protection. Glyptodons were the size of modern automobiles and ate almost anything—plants, carrion, or insects. Glyptodon may have been preyed upon by animals such as the saber-toothed cats Smilodon and Homotherium, the giant short-faced bear Arctotherium, dire wolves, and terror birds.