Scientists have determined that a long extinct giant rodent used teeth like tusks to dig for food and fight for survival.

Giant Guinea Pig: Josephoartigasia Monesi

The Josephoartigasia monesi, a distant cousin of the guinea pig, was discovered in 2007 after hikers stumbled upon a fossil of the species in Uruguay. The animal, also called the Giant Pacarana, lived three million years ago, and, standing at 5-feet-tall and 10-feet-long, is the largest rodent ever discovered.

Scientists recently conducted a series of tests on the skull found in Uruguay and published their results in the Journal of Anatomy. CT scans of the skull were used to create a model of the animal, focusing on the missing lower jaw. The scientists deduced that the animal’s large incisors’ capability for force exceeded the force needed to bite.

“We concluded that Josephoartigasia must have used its incisors for activities other than biting, such as digging in the ground for food, or defending itself from predators,” explained lead scientist Dr. Philip Cox.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.