A modern-day wombat (Photo: lookpictures.net)
A fossil that resembles a giant wombat was found in northern Australia, scientists announced Wednesday.
The diprotodon was the largest marsupial to ever roam the earth, and scientists said the animal weighed three tons and was the size of a modern-day SUV. The herbivore lived between two million and 50,000 years ago.
The modern-day wombat relative was found last week at a cattle ranch in Queensland.
The skeleton is the most complete of its kind and was well-preserved. Scientists believe this discovery could help explain why the species became extinct, especially since the preservation will allow for it to be accurately dated.
The animal is described as being pigeon-toed, 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 11 feet, 6 inches long with a backward-facing pouch.
It is rare for scientists to find such complete skeletons still intact and in one place.
Diprotodon became extinct around the same time that indigenous tribes first appeared in the area, suggesting that humans played a role in their demise. A small hole in its skull left scientists to believe that a spear to the head killed it.
