Organism · Placental mammals
Chalicotherium goldfussi
Source time context (not species duration) · ≈ 23–5.33 Ma
Inferred life reconstruction
Chalicotherium goldfussi
Overview
Chalicotherium goldfussi is a Miocene mammal studied through jaws and forefoot finger bones. Material from related forms offers clues for comparing long forelimbs and a sloping back. We can explore its large body arrangement alongside its unusual forefeet.[2][1]
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Key facts
Articular surfaces and projections are described on the first forefoot phalanx HLMD-DIN-3170, assigned to the species. The form of a small finger bone provides clues for investigating how the body was supported.[3]
Time and place
It is studied from Miocene material, and its MN9 occurrence context at Eppelsheim is also discussed. The Miocene as a whole spanned approximately 23–5.3 million years ago. Jaw and forefoot material convey features of different body regions.[2][5]
The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.
Size, form and skeleton
Species-specific jaw and forefoot phalanx records are compared alongside the long forelimbs and sloping backs of related forms. The articular surfaces and projections of the first phalanx, together with terminal phalanges suggesting claws, provide clues to different parts of the forefoot.[1][2][3]
Chalicotherium goldfussi was a mammal of Miocene Europe. A specimen from Gratkorn in present-day Austria includes a right upper third molar measuring 4.15 cm long. Its chewing surface is wider at the front and narrows toward the rear; even one small fossil contains clues to body size and form.[6]
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Habitat and reproduction
How did clawed forefeet support the body? A functional hypothesis of support on flexed fingers has been discussed. The research interprets possible support methods from the connections among unusual bones.[3]
Fossil discovery
A 2007 study of chalicotheriines and research on feeding ecology examined jaws and other material. In 2025, further research investigated phalangeal fusion and forefoot function. Teeth and forefeet raise different questions about ways of life.[2][4][3]
References
- American Museum of Natural History — Chalicotheriidae
- Anquetin·Antoine·Tassy (2007) — Miocene Chalicotheriinae
- Kampouridis et al. (2025) — Phalanges of Chalicotheriinae
- Schulz et al. (2007) — Feeding ecology of chalicotheres
- International Commission on Stratigraphy (2024) — Geological time chart
- Aiglstorfer et al. (2014) — Miocene perissodactyls from Gratkorn
- Comparative study of large-clawed herbivorous mammals
- Study of chalicothere skeletons — Moropus
Research questions
What information survives in the articular surfaces of finger bones? Comparing contact surfaces and projections allows examination of the hypothesis that flexed fingers supported the body. The research asks about the function of a large body through small bones.[3]
Observation
Picture the broad arrangement of a sloping body, then move your gaze to the forefoot finger bones. Examining articular surfaces and projections reveals how questions about overall posture begin with small connections.[1][3]
Related organisms
Moropus elatusPlacental mammalsSource time context (not species duration) · ≈ 23–5.33 MaDifferent bodies among mammals
Explore the bodies and life settings of Chalicotherium and Moropus elatus together. Chalicotherium: Chalicotherium goldfussi is a Miocene mammal studied through jaws and forefoot finger bones. Material from related forms offers clues for comparing long forelimbs and a sloping back. Moropus elatus: Moropus elatus is a herbivorous mammal with striking large, hook-like claws instead of horse-like hooves. It is studied as an animal with a small head, a long slanting neck, and unusual forefeet.