Giant otters were the largest rodents in North America during the last ice age. It is about 2.5 meters long and is estimated to have a weight of 60 to 100 kilograms about the size of a black bear.
The similarities between the giant otters and the skeletons of modern beavers make no doubt that these two animals are very similar and invincible with the same environment and very significant differences in their sizes. Another difference is in the teeth and tail of the giant otter. Unlike modern beavers with short cut teeth with smooth faces (incisors), giant beavers have teeth up to 15 centimetres long with a protruding outer surface.
The giant otter lacked the iconic paddle tail we see in modern beavers today. In fact, it has a long, thin tail.
Although most of the giant otters inhabit lakes and ponds that are built up by swamps, they also exist in the evergreen tundra habitat. Their incisors were not like modern beavers, and would not be efficient at cutting down trees, nor did scientists think they built dams or huts.
The similarities between the giant otters and the skeletons of modern beavers make no doubt that these two animals are very similar and invincible with the same environment and very significant differences in their sizes. Another difference is in the teeth and tail of the giant otter. Unlike modern beavers with short cut teeth with smooth faces (incisors), giant beavers have teeth up to 15 centimetres long with a protruding outer surface.
The giant otter lacked the iconic paddle tail we see in modern beavers today. In fact, it has a long, thin tail.
Although most of the giant otters inhabit lakes and ponds that are built up by swamps, they also exist in the evergreen tundra habitat. Their incisors were not like modern beavers, and would not be efficient at cutting down trees, nor did scientists think they built dams or huts.
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Animals