Fossilized giant ground sloth teeth show distinct diets in prehistoric North America

Fossilized giant ground sloth teeth reveal distinct diets, showing they occupied unique ecological niches in prehistoric North America. Researchers analyzed dental microwear on Shasta and Harlan's ground sloths, finding Harlan's ate hard foods like tubers and seeds, while Shasta consumed desert plants. This indicates they didn't compete directly with other herbivores. The extinction of these giant sloths 13,700 years ago led to significant ecological changes, impacting plant dispersal and ecosystem resilience, highlighting the importance of large herbivores.