Andrewsarchus: A Misunderstood Beast

Please enjoy this video examining the mysterious Eocene mammal Andrewsarchus, known from a single skull and previous restored as a massive wolf-like apex predator. Today, it is thought to have been an omnivorous member of Whippomorpha, being a close relative of Entelodonts, hippos and whales.

[beastmaster]

The fact that it has been nearly a century since the discovery of the skull, and we’ve literally found NO other remains of this thing is insane.

[Redneckkratos]

Andrewsarchus is like the spinosaurus of mammals……

[bencejuhasz]

Let's face it, the original reconstructions of Andrewsarchus depict it as a terrifying animal. The more modern reconstructions are also depict it as a terrifying animal, something you don't want to mess around.

[StopMotionDryptosaurus]

“It's the swamp piggy!” - Gaming Beaver

[bellakaldera]

I still want to see the green screen actor who played Gollum, Andrew Sercus portray Andrewsarchus. It would be epic.

[somerandofilipino]

Ah yes, the Hippopotamus-Wolf. A major source of nightmares second only to the Hell Pig, which is also just a hippopotamus with long legs.

[seanzibonanzi]

Humans are so extreme in our reconstructions, every carnivore is made a monster. Reality paints a different picture, some of the most dangerous animals today have the softest features.

[ubiquitousliquorice]

1:49-1:53 Hearing someone as refined and well-spoken as Dr. Polaris say "Asshole" is not something I expected to hear today 😂

[EvieProbably]

Your description of Henry Fairfield Osborn as, "asshole eugenics-enthusiast" absolutely made my day, it's comedy gold. I will know him as nothing else from now on and I think that's for the best. Fantastic video as always!

[harpman]

I personally believe it Andrewsarchus was actually a entolodont rather a sister taxa.

[johnbee]

I will always love the depiction of andrewsarchus from walking with beasts, and perhaps a small part of me will always wish that's what it was, but I am fascinated with the animal and the debate around what it was. I hope the debates don't mean we've ever accidentally misidentified any bones that are actually andrewsarchus bones!

[tikaalik]

I’ve only been waiting about 20 years for a proper analysis of Andrewsarchus since nothing about its past reconstructions ever made sense. Thanks.

[CJ-BZ]

Dr.’s description of Osborne is iconic. I wasn’t ready for that 😂

[erinc]

I'll admit I prefer the old version but it's so cool how new information completely changes how we view prehistory.

[thedarkmasterthedarkmaster]

It's been several years since your paleoart series, Man I feel old

[rl]

6:19 I’d love to see a video similar to this one for those giant Hyaenodons and Amphicyons. Maybe a video covering the history of Megistotherium and Simbakubwa? Both have not only had changes based on discoveries, but gained some popularity in recent years. They’d be great subjects for this type of video setup!

[bubsyboy]

I would love to see a museum of outdated Paleo art, sculptures, and museum recreations. I'd fly anywhere to see that :p

[opornogeros]

Finally some attention for mah boy Andrew

[polishheavies]

Prehistoric mammals are so underrated. Andrew is up there in the peaks

[nsob]

I love the occasional off the cuff side remarks in your presentations. They put just the right touch of casual conversation in the overall feel of the narrative. Well done..and yes, all eugenicists are assholes. Which I'm sure youtube will tell me is mean and won't let me post.