Toxodon History Colouring

Toxodon platensis was a large plant-eating mammal from Pleistocene South America. Fossils occur in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and other parts of the continent. Charles Darwin collected Toxodon remains during the voyage of HMS Beagle, and their strange combination of features puzzled early scientists. The animal was about the size of a rhinoceros, with a deep barrel-shaped body, short strong legs, a broad skull and continuously growing curved teeth. Its eyes and nostrils sat fairly high on the head. That once encouraged pictures of a hippo-like swimmer, but limb bones and tooth chemistry indicate that Toxodon spent much of its time on land in grasslands and mixed environments. Its special character was belonging to Notoungulata, a uniquely South American branch of hoofed mammals with no living species. Ancient protein studies place that branch among distant relatives of horses, tapirs and rhinoceroses, although Toxodon was not itself a rhinoceros and had no horn. It probably grazed and browsed depending on local plants. Fossils cannot give a secure natural lifespan. The species disappeared around 11,000 years ago, and no named last individual is known. Rapid environmental changes at the end of the Ice Age and growing human hunting pressure may both have contributed; the available evidence does not prove one single cause everywhere. Colour Toxodon warm grey, muddy brown, olive-brown or pale ochre, with a lighter belly and muzzle. Use charcoal for the nose, dark grey for hooves and cream for visible teeth. Broad curved strokes will suit the barrel body, while short strokes around the cheeks can suggest coarse hair. Colour the sedges several greens, the floodplain water blue-green, and distant trees olive or dark green. Add tan or rust to the soil and pale violet to far hills. Leave a white highlight on the broad back and do not draw or colour a horn. The calm grazing pose shows the special high-set eyes, heavy body and short legs while keeping this unusual South American mammal friendly for young learners.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.