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Glyptodonts Were Savvy Batters

from ScienceNOW Daily News

What do ancient armored mammals have in common with Babe Ruth? They both took advantage of the "sweet spot."

New research suggests that some species of giant mammals called glyptodonts swung their hefty tails like baseball bats, landing powerful blows with the spot on their tails that minimizes potentially harmful vibrations for the slugger.

... Relatives of modern-day armadillos, glyptodonts arose in South America some 20 million years ago and lived until about 10,000 years ago. They sported a turtlelike shell and heavy armor on their heads and tails. The largest species were massive.