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Andrewsarchus mongoliensis (AMNH 20135)

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description Andrewsarchus mongoliensis (AMNH 20135) Overview

Andrewsarchus mongoliensis is an extinct Eocene mammal known principally from AMNH 20135, a very large skull discovered in Mongolia in 1923 during an American Museum of Natural History expedition. Because no associated skeleton is known, its body proportions, locomotion, diet, and total size remain uncertain. Once classified among archaic hoofed mammals called condylarths, it is now commonly discussed as a possible relative of entelodonts, whales, and hippopotamuses within Cetancodontamorpha.

help Andrewsarchus mongoliensis (AMNH 20135) FAQ

Why is Andrewsarchus mongoliensis only known from a single skull?

The entire scientific understanding of Andrewsarchus comes from AMNH 20135, a single massive skull discovered in 1923 in Mongolia. No associated postcranial skeleton has ever been found, making its exact body proportions a mystery.

What did Andrewsarchus mongolius eat during the Eocene epoch?

Because no associated skeleton is known, paleontologists cannot be certain about its exact diet. Its sharp teeth suggest it might have been a carnivore or an omnivore, but its true ecological role remains heavily debated.

How was the Andrewsarchus fossil originally discovered?

It was discovered during an American Museum of Natural History expedition to the Gobi Desert in 1923. The famous fossil hunter Roy Chapman Andrews led the expedition that uncovered the massive, three-foot-long skull.

Is Andrewsarchus truly the largest terrestrial carnivorous mammal?

While it is often popularly depicted as the largest terrestrial meat-eating mammal, this title is heavily debated due to the lack of a full skeleton. Paleontologists estimate its overall size based solely on the single massive skull.

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