Key Information
Andrewsarchus
| Species | Andrewsarchus mongoliensis, Andrewsarchus crassum |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Length | Possibly up to 12 ft |
| Height | Possibly up to 6 ft |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Timescale | Middle Eocene |
| Classification | Mammalia > Artiodactyla > Cetancodontamorpha |
Learning Point
- When discovered in China, the half skull of Andrewsarchus was viewed as identifying it as one of the largest of all carnivourous land animals. While certainly a large creature, how large has been debated for a long time.
Project
- Draw a picture of what you think Andrewsarchus looked like.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | China, Asia |
Fun Facts
- The name Andrewsarchus comes from Greek words meaning “Andrew’s Ruler“, named after Roy Chapman Andrews who led the expedition to discover it.
- Only parts of the skull have been discovered, and a couple of teeth from a second specimen.
- The size of the skull makes it likely that it was a large carnivore or ominvore, but how big is difficult to calculate.
- It is categorised by science in a similar group to hippos and other two-toed hoofed animals.
Past Lessons
| 60 | July 31, 2023 | (North America) |
| 232 | May 4, 2026 | (North America) |