EARLIER PLIOCENE EPOCH 181 



Pliocene. Nor did they ever extend their range beyond 

 their native continent. 



In South America the record is almost a blank ; but the SOUTH 

 peculiar fauna was doubtless prosperous, as may be inferred AMERICA 

 from its condition in the later part of the Period. This 

 continent had for a very long time been separate from its 

 northern neighbour, and its animal life had lagged far behind. 

 By the upheaval, however, of the Isthmus of Panama in 

 early Pliocene times, great additions to the native fauna 

 became possible. The tariff wall, so to speak, had ceased 

 to be ; and Southern American mammal-products were no 

 longer " protected." Northern mammals were now finding 

 their way to the long-inaccessible continent ; and, as a counter- 

 move, a few armadillos embraced the opportunity of 

 trying their fortunes in the North (Carioderma). 



