What is embolotherium?

Embolotherium is an extinct genus of large, hornless rhinoceros that lived during the Late Eocene to the Early Oligocene epochs, around 34 to 30 million years ago. They were native to North America, Europe, and Asia.

Embolotherium had a large body size, with some species reaching up to 4 meters in length and weighing over 2,000 kg. They had a broad, square skull with a long, flexible neck and short, sturdy legs. Despite their size, they were likely herbivores and primarily fed on vegetation.

One of the most distinctive features of Embolotherium was its nasal cavity, which was much larger than that of modern rhinoceroses. This may have been used for vocalizations or regulating body temperature.

Fossils of Embolotherium have been found in various parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, indicating that they were a widespread and successful genus during the Eocene and Oligocene periods. The exact reason for their extinction is unknown, but environmental changes and competition with other herbivores may have played a role.