What primary environmental factor led to the disappearance of *Arsinoitherium* from the fossil record?
Answer
Shrinking specialized swamp environments due to climate shifts
The extinction of *Arsinoitherium* is strongly correlated with macro-level changes occurring towards the close of the Oligocene epoch. As global climate patterns shifted, the northern African landscape, particularly the Fayum region, began a trend toward becoming progressively drier and cooler. This climatic change directly resulted in the shrinking and degradation of the vast, specialized swamp and marsh ecosystems that were absolutely necessary to support such a highly adapted, bulky herbivore. The loss of its specific ecological niche proved fatal, as its specialized features provided no advantage in a forthcoming grassland environment.
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