Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Beyond: Meet Extraordinary Beasts That Thrived in Frozen Worlds
The Ice Age: A Time of Extremes
During the Ice Age, an epoch that spanned millions of years, Earth experienced extreme cold and ice cover. Vast glaciers and ice sheets covered large portions of the planet, shaping ecosystems and driving the evolution of unique creatures.
Dawn of the Dinosaurs
The Ice Age began around 2.6 million years ago and extended until about 11,700 years ago. During this time, the world witnessed the emergence of the first dinosaurs, giant reptiles that would become the dominant land animals for over 150 million years. Early dinosaurs such as Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus roamed the frozen landscapes, adapted to the harsh conditions.
Giant Short-Faced Bear
One of the most fascinating Ice Age animals was the Giant Short-Faced Bear (Arctodus simus). This massive predator lived in North America and South America and could weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Its short, broad face and powerful jaw allowed it to crush the bones of even the largest prey, including mammoths and giant sloths.
Giant Ground Sloths
Another iconic Ice Age creature was the Giant Ground Sloth (Megatherium americanum). These herbivores roamed the ice-free areas of North and South America, feeding on vegetation. Some species of ground sloths were the size of elephants and weighed up to 10,000 pounds, making them among the largest mammals to ever exist.
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