Which distant mammalian relatives share an evolutionary neighborhood with *Arsinoitherium*?
Answer
Elephants (Proboscidea) and sea cows (Sirenia)
Despite its intimidating horns, *Arsinoitherium* is not closely related to modern perissodactyls like rhinoceroses. Its placement within the extinct order Embrithopoda suggests far more distant connections. The text specifies that this lineage is often considered distantly related to two major groups: the elephants, belonging to the order Proboscidea, and the marine mammals known as Sirenia (sea cows). This distant relationship highlights the unique evolutionary trajectory this animal took among large Cenozoic herbivores.
Related Questions
What was the maximum estimated weight for the bulky *Arsinoitherium*?To which extinct order does *Arsinoitherium* belong, classifying it separately from true rhinos?During which epochs did *Arsinoitherium* thrive, according to fossil dating?What likely covered the substantial, two-pronged horns of *Arsinoitherium*?Where are the fossils of *Arsinoitherium* primarily recovered, indicating its primary habitat?Which distant mammalian relatives share an evolutionary neighborhood with *Arsinoitherium*?What was the probable dietary preference of *Arsinoitherium* given its habitat and teeth structure?What is the likely origin of the name *Arsinoitherium*?What non-defensive/display function might the basal structure of the horns have provided in its swampy habitat?What primary environmental factor led to the disappearance of *Arsinoitherium* from the fossil record?