Living fast may have helped mammals like ‘ManBearPig’ dominate

Such a fast-paced lifestyle may have helped early mammals get big fast after the dinos’ demise

illustration of Pantolambda bathmodon

The ancient mammal Pantolambda bathmodon (illustrated) looked something like a jumbo red panda, with a bearlike head, stocky build and long tail. Despite its fearsome appearance, P. bathmodon was a gentle, plant-eating giant in its ecosystem.

H. Sharpe

In the wake of the dinosaurs’ demise, a bizarre beast that some researchers have nicknamed “ManBearPig” lived life in the fast lane.