![Fossil of pregnant ground sloth discovered with fetus inside 1](https://i0.wp.com/images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/14142410/SEI_163959869.jpg?resize=696%2C465&ssl=1)
Reconstruction from fossils discovered in Brazil of a pregnant ground sloth and its fetus
Jorge Gonzalez
The remarkably rare discovery of a fossilised pregnant ground sloth and its fetus has been reported.
Cástor Cartelle at the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais in Brazil had been exploring an extensive Brazilian cave for 2 hours when he discovered the fossil sloth, from the species Nothrotherium maquinense.
While excavating this fossil, Cartelle says he was surprised when a small bone fell into his hands. “As I gained a better understanding of the orientation, …