Archaeotherium is an entelodont, a member of a group of pig-like animals that lived in Europe, Asia, and North America from the middle Eocene to the early Miocene. Entelodonts were large animals; adults could reach a shoulder height of 6 feet, and in some of the larger species the skull was over 3 feet in length. Studies of the arrangement and wear patterns of entelodont teeth suggests that they were scavengers, capable of ingesting a wide range of large and resistant food items, including bones.

The skull and mandible of Archaeotherium is decorated with various bony lumps which do not seem to be related to muscular function and were probably used for display. Some specimens show scarring of the skull, suggesting that entelodonts fought fiercely for territory or mating rights.

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