Entelodon

It is one of four entelodont genera native to Eurasia, the other three being the primitive Eoentelodon of late Eocene China, Proentelodon of middle Eocene Mongolia and the gigantic Paraentelodon of mid-to-late Oligocene Central Asia.

Size comparison between E. deguilhemi and a human

Entelodon was a fairly typical entelodont, with a large, bulky body, slender legs, and a long snout.[3][1][4][5]

Like other entelodonts, Entelodon had complete eutherian dentition (3 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, and 3 molars per quadrant). It had only two toes on each foot, and its legs were built for fast running.[6] Its long, wide head was supported by a robust, short neck,[6] and its cheekbones were greatly enlarged and protruded noticeably from the sides of the head.[7] Though it was more closely related to hippos and whales than pigs, its skull was generally pig-like.[6][7] It is presumed to have been an omnivore.

European species of Entelodon were around 1.35 metres (4 ft 5 in) tall at the shoulders, with a 65 centimetres (26 in) skull.[6] Entelodon major, known from the Kutanbulak Formation in Kazakhstan was around 1.70 metres (5 ft 7 in) tall at the shoulders, with a 80 centimetres (31 in) skull, making it one of the largest entelodonts.

Restoration of E. magnus

Entelodon remains are primarily known from Europe,[8][9][10] although fossils have also been found in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and even as far east as Japan.

Entelodon magnus populated a broad swath of Europe, with remains found in Spain, Germany, France, Romania, and the Caucasus. Extensive remains of Entelodon deguilhemi were uncovered in Vayres-sur-Essonne, France.[6][11] The Chinese Entelodon dirus is known from a single tooth discovered in Nei Mongol.[12]

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