Giant Armadillos and Ground Sloths came to North America from the south during the interchange. Like most “megafauna,” they became extinct around 11,000 years ago, but are common in fossil deposits today.
Story
So paleontologists know that certain animals evolved in South America millions of years ago and after the formation of the Isthmus of Panama certain groups of those animals migrated northward. So the cool thing about Florida is that we have lots of fossils from the animals that came from South America into North America, and these are found at literally hundreds of localities throughout our state and are represented by animals like the giant armadillo and ground sloths.
Bruce MacFadden
Curator, Vertebrate Paleontology
Distinguished Professor
Florida Museum of Natural History
Summary
Giant Armadillo Skull (Holmesina floridanus)
From Citrus Co., Florida
Lived ~1.8 million years ago
Giant Ground Sloth Skull and Claw (Paramylodon harlani)
From Hillsborough Co., Florida
Lived ~1.3 million years ago
Exhibit Area
Theme
Great American Interchange