Synocnus
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Extinct (fossil)
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The Synocnus was a form of ground sloth which was about the size of a medium-sized dog and weighed approximately about 50 pounds. This animal lived in Haiti. Synocnus was known to have a physical appearance not unlike that of a modern three-toed sloth, though with a longer tail and a broad trunk, as well as lissome limbs and long claws. This sloth was known for having caudal vertebrae that were broad, a trait shared with other ground sloths, indicating that this animal, like the tamandua of today, likely used its tail to stand upright. The teeth of the Synocnus were large and triangular, and its skull was deep and had a large, sagittal crest which, when used with the deep mandible, likely allowed masticatory muscles.
The fossils of this sloth were found in Haitian cave deposits. It is conversely theorized that this sloth was killed off by humans seeking its pelt and meat. Currently, this species of sloth is being studied by students studying evolutionary history. Synocnus was known for being semi-arboreal.
[edit] Pop culture
- The character Sid The Sloth in Ice Age, is a Synocnus.
