What is Josephoartigasia?
{{Italic title}} {{Automatic taxobox | image = Josephoartigasia_BW.jpg | fossil_range = [[Chapadmalalan]]-[[Uquian]]<br />~{{fossil range|4|2}} | image_caption = ''[[Josephoartigasia monesi]]'' reconstruction | taxon = Josephoartigasia | authority = [[Álvaro Mones|Mones]], 2007 | subdivision_ranks = [[Species]] | subdivision = *†''[[Josephoartigasia monesi]]'' *†''[[Josephoartigasia magna]]'' }} '''''Josephoartigasia''''' is an [[extinct]] [[genus]] of giant [[rodent]] from the [[Pliocene]]. It is related to the living [[pacarana]]. The genus includes the largest known rodent, ''Josephoartigasia monesi''.<ref name=Beeb2008>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7408743.stm|title=Biggest rodent 'shrinks in size'|publisher=BBC News|date=2008-05-21}}</ref> The two species would have looked like gigantic pacarana, or [[capybara]]s the size of cows. However, Dr Virginie Millien, from [[McGill University]] in [[Montreal]], said the mathematical models originally used to calculate the rodent's [[mass]] from its [[skull]] probably overestimated its body size.<ref name=Beeb2008/> A recent report said it had big front teeth, which it might have used for defence.<ref>Biggest rodent 'fought with teeth' like tusks. BBC News Science & Environment. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31111843]</ref> == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Rodents]]