[See link for pictures as well.]
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3120950.stm>
The fossil remains of a gigantic rodent that looked something like a
monster guinea pig have been identified by scientists in Venezuela.
The 700-kilogram beast - about the size of a buffalo - lived among the
reeds and grasses of an ancient river system that threaded its way into
the Caribbean Sea eight million years ago.
Researchers think the creature, which was 10 times as big as today's
largest rodents, could have run in huge packs.
Evidence suggests it also had to dodge the constant attentions of
super-sized crocodiles and carnivorous birds, which stood three metres
tall.
The discovery of "Guinea-zilla", as some have already dubbed it, is
reported in the journal Science.
[...]
