Since a ton of people have been questioning me about the best home office setup, I thought it’d be fair to share what mine was. This is what’s worked for me throughout starting my business and it can also work for you. As both an Engineer and Business Owner, I work long hours and I attribute being able to do so due to some of these high quality products.
These are what I find to be the best products regarding home office set up.
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• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Pro Chip
• Apple USB-C to USB Adapter
• LG 32GN650-B Ultragear Gaming Monitor 32”
• SAMSUNG 28” Odyssey G70B Series 4K UHD Gaming Monitor
• Logitech Brio 4K Webcam, Ultra 4K HD Video Calling
• Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone
• Blue Yeti Microphone Stand
• Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset – Noise Cancelling Headphones
• Bose Soundlink Revolve
• Logitech MX Master 3S
• Logitech MX Keys Mini
• VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk
• Herman Miller Aeron Chair Fully Adjustable
• Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
• Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer
• Philipps 3 Outlet Surge Protector Extension Cube
• Closing Thoughts on the Best Home Office Setup

Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Pro Chip

A Macbook is GOAT’ed. Sleek hardware, a very reputable brand, and a high quality product. MacBooks have lasted me on average 6+ years so although it can be a big initial investment, the ROI can be very positive.
Pros:

• Sleek hardware
• A basic MacBook will be very powerful
• Will meet everyday needs for students or working professionals
• Access to Apple customer support
• High quality webcam

Cons:

• Higher price point relative to other laptops
• Battery life known to get worse over time

Check Price of MacBook Pro on Amazon

Apple USB-C to USB Adapter

Say what you want about Apple, yes, it is a great business move for them as a company to design components that you’ll need to purchase to adapt basic devices such as webcams, microphones, and monitors.
You’ll need to get a pair or two of these Apple USB-C to USB Adapters.
Pros:

• Allows integration of many USB devices onto MacBook platform

Cons:

• Unnecessary purchase if you are primarily a Windows / Android type user
• Buying extra dongles or adapters will add more as an expense over a long period of time

Check Price of USB to USB-C Adapter on Amazon

LG 32GN650-B Ultragear Gaming Monitor 32”

I like to use the LG 32GN650B Ultragear as my primary monitor, set up horizontally. Great resolution, refresh rate, and able to be used for gaming purposes, but I like to use it as my everyday monitor.
Pros:

• Great refresh rate
• High resolution
• Good size to use for day to day computer operations

Cons:

• Does not rotate vertically

Check Price of LG 32″ Ultragear on Amazon

SAMSUNG 28” Odyssey G70B Series 4K UHD Gaming Monitor

I just recently added a secondary monitor in a vertical configuration and it is a game changer. Highly recommend to add a second monitor in a vertical configuration if you are able to do so. This makes daily computer usage 10X more efficient. I love to have multiple tabs and windows up when I browse the computer. It’s nice to have a monitor dedicated to one thing such as reading news or emails and using my main monitor for work.
Combine the power of multiple monitors with meetings and it’s a complete game changer. Having one screen dedicated for screen sharing and another for documents or notes makes having Zoom or Teams Meetings at work much easier.
Extremely happy with my purchase of the Samsung 28″ Odyssey G70B – great refresh rate and resolution, looks absolutely beautiful.
Pros:

• Rotates 90, 180, 270 degrees
• Pair-able to Macbook as a second external display
• Great refresh rate and resolution

Cons:

• Higher price point vs a lower quality monitor
• Refresh rate and resolution will be over the top if looking for something basic

Check Price of Samsung 28″ G70B on Amazon

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam, Ultra 4K HD Video Calling

As a business owner, I truly invest top dollar to for higher quality goods so that I can perform higher quality work. A 4K webcam is a game changer when it comes to sales calls, presentations, demos, or client meetings. If you’re using an older MacBook, chances are the webcam on isn’t that good, and you’ll need to pair it with something like the Logitech Brio if you want higher quality resolution.
It’s 100% worth if you can afford the investment and will have you perform and look more presentable in meetings. So worth.
Pros:

• 4K resolution
• Extremely high quality video for meetings
• Presents yourself better in corporate meetings

Cons:

• Somewhat of an expensive investment
• Needing to add an additional USB – USB-C adapter to connect to Macbook
• Extra equipment

Check Price of Logitech Brio 4K on Amazon

Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone

The Logitech Blue Yeti Mic is paramount for Gaming, Streaming, Podcasting, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, and recording for PC and Mac. An excellent microphone to use especially for YouTube Videos, Streaming, Webinars, and sales calls.
Pros:

• Outputs high quality stereo like sound
• Great for podcasts, webinars, sales calls, meetings, demos
• Relatively in-expensive starter option for high quality sound

Cons:

• An extra device needed to be connected onto a MacBook
• Extra need for a USB – USB C Adapter
• Need to add a stand for flexible and optimal usage

Check Price of Logitech Blue Yeti Mic on Amazon

Blue Yeti Microphone Stand

A microphone stand is 100% necessary for convenience and ergonomic purposes. The default stand a microphone will come with will have your back hunched or in an awkward position. Invest in a stand that allows you a flexible microphone position.
Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Allows flexible usage of a studio quality mic
• Best to use for podcasts, meetings, calls, demos

Cons:

• You will need to allocate more room on your desk to allow for this stand
• Extra mechanical components on your desk
• Takes up space

Check Price of Logitech Blue Yeti Mic Stand on Amazon

Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset – Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Bose QuietComforts are a great pair of noise cancelling headphones to use for working or traveling. I even chose to opt to get the Gaming Headset option because I do like to game from time to time – it’s a great way to unwind and have some fun with friends. This headset can easily be pair to a device such as a Playstation controller and allows for optimal sound. High quality sound is needed when you will need to rely on peripheral hearing in video games.
But all things work related, this is a great headset to use for deep, focused work. Does really great in blocking out ambient noise and helps focus for tasks such as writing emails, documents, and listening to important voice recordings or memos.
Pros:

• High quality sound and noise cancellation output
• Great to use for work, business, travel, or even casual usage
• Great noise cancellation for flights
• Ability to use this as a gaming headset for PC or Console games

Cons:

• Difficulty when pairing between multiple devices such as iPhone and MacBooks
• The hardware is not as “sleek” as products such as Apple

Check Price of Bose QuietComfort Gaming Headset on Amazon

Bose Soundlink Revolve

To get some louder and higher quality sound, I pair my MacBook with the Bose Soundlink Revolve. Great to listen to podcasts, videos, and even provides enough sound for house parties. The bass and sound quality of the Bose Soundlink Revolve is amazing and the product has lasted me quite a few years.
Pros:

• Compact device that outputs high quality sounds
• Great for usages such as podcasts, videos, music, parties, and shows
• Bose produces high quality products that last for years

Cons:

• Difficulty at times pairing with multiple devices such as iPhones, MacBooks, Tablets
• Relatively lower battery life – will need to often charge

Check Price of Bose Soundlink Revolve on Amazon

Logitech MX Master 3S

This is the META when it comes to wireless mouses. The mouse is designed in such a shape that it is extremely comfortable for me to place my hand on it for usage. Almost zero problems from chronic mouse usage, especially with long hours of work per day. The MX3 mouse is bluetooth pair-able with up to 3 devices, has both horizontal and vertical scrolling, and adjustments on scrolling increments.
Pros:

• Extremely ergonomic – can use mouse all day with no pain in hand as Engineer and business owner
• Allow scrolling change – incremental or smooth scrolling
• Bluetooth pair-able to up to 3 devices

Cons:

• Battery life can be limited
• Need USB-C charging
• Need to keep mouse clean

Check Price of Logitech MX Master 3S on Amazon

Logitech MX Keys Mini

The Logitech Mini Keyboard is an extremely slim and minimalist keyboard great to use for regular or business computer usage. It is extremely easy to type on, very convenient to carry around, and a great performing device altogether. Just like the Logitech MX3 Mouse, this keyboard allows pairing of up to 3 devices – great if you have multiple devices around the home. I chose to get the Logitech Mini Keyboard without the number pad due to how convenient and flexible it will be able to be carried around. This device does not disappoint, especially if you want to go the digital nomad route.
Pros:

• Compact, Bluetooth, USB-C, for Apple macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Android
• Flexible and convenient to use for digital nomads or working at coffee shops
• Very slim, sleek, and minimal design – easy to fit in a backpack
• Membrane Keyboard – not as loud / quiet typing

Cons:

• Lack of number pad – will be inconvenient if needed for high number typing
• Does not offer the “clack” that Mechanical Keyboards offer
• USB-C Charging
• Need to keep clean

Check Price of Logitech MX Keys Mini on Amazon

VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk

I bought into the standing desk craze a few years back, but I personally don’t utilize the standing option very often. Standing desks are a great option if you do not allocate much time towards physical exercise. I personally exercise quite often and find that if I use the standing desk too often, I get tired and can’t focus as much. Results will vary.
The VIVO standing desk is a great and budget friendly option if you are looking for a standing desk, but don’t want to break the bank. The advantage of the VIVO standing desk is that it allows for a hand rotating mechanism to adjust the height of the desk, instead of relying on linear actuators.
What I really enjoy about standing desks is the ability to set the desk at the perfect height relative to where my arm positioning will be. This also allows me to work long hours without getting much pain. If you’re dealing with any type of pain at all regarding working, it’s very likely your office set up.
Pros:

• Inexpensive and budget friendly way to get a standing desk
• Hand rotating mechanism – eliminates the need for power supply and less cords
• Allows for a desk with proper arm positioning for ergonomics

Cons:

• Cheaper and lower quality material
• Not as nice as desks such as Uplift
• Will be tiring to rotate the hand crank to adjust the desk up and down
• Custom height set up not available

Check Price of VIVO Standing Desk on Amazon

Herman Miller Aeron Chair Fully Adjustable

The Herman Miller Aaron Chair is one of the OG GOAT’s when it comes to ergonomic chairs. I love my fully adjustable Herman Miller – I’m able to sit for long hours and deal with zero back pain. The mesh that the chair provides also keeps the chair extremely cool and I don’t need to worry about the seat or the back pad heating up.
Pros:

• A pioneer regarding home office ergonomic chair setups
• Multiple degrees of freedom to allow for varying positions
• Lumbar support
• Flexible arm heights
• High quality mesh design to keep chair cool
• Able to sit 8+ hrs in a day without pain
• Lower cost options available through used sellers such as Craigslist and OfferUp

Cons:

• Expensive investment as this is a higher quality office chair
• Will get dusty and dust will accumulate through the meshes
• Need to keep chair clean
• No head support (not a big deal to me)

Check Price of Herman Miller Aaron Chair on Amazon

Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack

Sure Samsonite isn’t Gucci, but they do provide decent quality leather backpacks at an affordable cost. I was able to get this at a lower cost during the beginning of the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic as the demand for traveling plummeted. This backpack has held up in decent shape through regular usage such as bringing materials from home to work or to the coffee shop.
Work great for short business trips as there is plenty of room to pack clothes, laptop, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The Samson Leather Backpack is a quality item and will last for a long period of time. No issues so far with my backpack.
Pros:

• High quality leather backpack suited for business
• Fits decent amount of items – clothes, toiletries, laptops, notebooks, stationary
• Durable and will last
• Good combination of minimalist and functional

Cons:

• The classic leather backpack is somewhat large
• Not a very “slim” design
• Will feel large if you plan on using this backpack out walking all day

Check Price of Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack on Amazon

Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer

What good is having the best home office setup without a printer? Even though the world is becoming more digital, you will still need to rely on printing documents out and sending them from time to time. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a basic printer that meets the need for printing out some items for work or business.
Pros:

• Cheap and budget friendly printer
• Allows for document scanning

Cons:

• Can have issues and difficulty setting up and pairing wirelessly with laptop or internet
• Needing to download software on your laptop or iPhone
• Only compatible with 2G broadband frequency internet
• Will sometimes not show up when using it to computer

Overall, a low quality printer – invest in a higher quality printer if able to and you can afford it. This thing has given me headaches from time to time, and has not been able to print things when I really needed something to be printed and ended up having to go to the local printing shop to print and send something out.
Check Price of Canon PIXMA TR4720 on Amazon

Philipps 3 Outlet Surge Protector Extension Cube

Let’s not forget, with a beauty best home office setup, you will have a ton of cords that you will need to be plugging into. A Phillips Extension cube is a really great option for that. I chose to get the cubed option to avoid the extra cords and what not that an extension cord provides. Keeps things relatively clean and allows the plug in of multiple devices such as your laptop, monitor, chargers, printers, and everything else I covered regarding the best home office setup.
Pros:

• Simple yet elegant way to add extension cord without extra wires hanging around
• The cube design is an efficient use of space
• Visually appealing to look at a cube vs. extension cord
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Limited number of cords available
• Will not be enough for power users
• Can be difficult to fit in with other “larger” types of plugs in the same outlet

Check Price of Philipps 3 Outlet Surge Protector on Amazon

Closing Thoughts on the Best Home Office Setup

I work long hours and it’s imperative to have high quality office products that make the best home office setup so that I can perform and deliver optimally. I know some of the items can be expensive, but it definitely is an investment towards long term business output. There are multiple options available for the devices I show, but this is the set up that I currently use to date.
If you can’t afford higher quality products yet, don’t worry, just keep grinding and build skillsets such that you can increase your salary and afford higher quality goods. I’ve come a long way when it comes to being able to afford higher quality goods and I attribute it to the skillsets that I have built over the years.

Automated testing is an essential component of modern large-scale software. High amounts of automated test cases are used to maintain the stability of large software products. For the software with a graphical user interface (GUI), establishing an automated testing system can be challenging due to limited resources. Previously, the author has written articles on automated testing for engineering simulation CAE software, see “Automated Testing for General-Purpose Engineering Simulation CAE Software”, “Quickly Create Regression Test Cases for WELSIM”, and “Automated Regression Testing for General-Purpose Engineering Simulation CAE Software”. This article presents how to use QtTesting to quickly implement an automated testing system for graphical software from a software development perspective.
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QtTesting is an open-source testing framework with a friendly license, similar to BSD3, and can be used for commercial products. It has been applied in practical instances for large-scale software such as VTK, ParaView, Slider3D, and WELSIM, proving to be an effective and user-friendly testing framework. As long as the software utilizes QT as its GUI framework, QtTesting can be used as the foundational component for the testing system. The source code of QtTesting can be directly downloaded from https://gitlab.kitware.com/paraview/qttesting or https://github.com/Kitware/QtTesting.
QtTesting is officially endorsed for UI testing. Although, in practical use, it not only can test GUI, but also can test any other functionalities of a product through the properties provided by the GUI, such as the accuracy of calculation results. Many of the numerical results in WELSIM can be validated through the functionality of QtTesting.
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QtTesting Framework

The Testing Module of QtTesting consists of two major modules: Translator and Player. Both modules establish connections with widgets in the QT framework to interact with the GUI framework. The translator captures events or signals of the widgets, while the player controls the widgets by traversing all active widgets to obtain the current object of the widget.

Test Translator

The translator module provides users with a fast way to create test files, essentially acting as a macro command for mouse, keyboard, and widget controls. When users perform certain low-level Qt actions such as “mouse movement,” “button press,” “button release,” etc., the generated signals will be captured and converted into higher-level events that can be serialized and played, such as “button activation.” The pqWidgetEventTranslator class and its derived classes play an important role in QtTesting. The derived classes of pqWidgetEventTranslator need to implement the translateEvent() method to handle Qt events and convert signals into high-level events consisting of two strings: a command and a command parameter (which may be empty). Finally, the high-level events are passed to their output container by emitting the recordEvent() signal once or multiple times. This is saved to an XML file, completing the recording of a macro command.
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During program execution, pqEventTranslator receives every Qt event that occurs in the entire application runtime and sequentially passes Qt events to each pqWidgetEventTranslator instance. The high-level events emitted by pqEventTranslator can be captured by corresponding observers. Observers either serialize and print the high-level events, or save them. Currently, QtTesting includes two observers, pqEventObserverStdout and pqEventObserverXML, which serialize high-level events to standard screen output and XML files, respectively. Developers can also create their own observers to implement custom functions, such as serializing events to log files or Python scripts.
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The translator module can also record check events, such as verifying a property. During the check, an overlay will be drawn on the widget where the mouse hovers. A green overlay indicates that the widget can be checked; if the overlay is red, it indicates otherwise. When clicking on the widget for checking, a check event will be recorded, and a related QString value will be output. This feature is a crucial part when verifying numerical results in WELSIM automated testing.
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Running Tests

The essence of running automated tests is to play back recorded macro commands. In the QtTesting framework, pqEventSource provides an abstract interface for objects that provide a stream of “high-level events.” pqXMLEventSource inherits from pqEventSource and implements specific functionality. It is capable of reading XML files generated by pqEventObserverXML.
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pqEventPlayer maintains a set of pqWidgetEventPlayer objects responsible for converting high-level events into low-level events. pqEventDispatcher retrieves events from pqEventSource and passes them to an instance of pqEventPlayer for execution. During runtime, each high-level event is encoded into three strings (object pointer, command, and parameters). Those are passed to pqEventPlayer::playEvent(). pqEventPlayer decodes the pointer address and uses it to locate the corresponding widget. Then, pqEventPlayer passes the high-level event and widget to each pqWidgetEventPlayer until one emits a signal indicating the event has been handled.
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Creating New Translators and Players

A new translator must at least reimplement the translateEvent(QObject object, QEvent event, int eventType, bool& error) method. First, it must check if the object is of the correct class. Then, it should handle the case of pqEventTypes::ACTION_EVENT, saving the command and related parameters. Sometimes it should also be able to handle pqEventTypes::CHECK_EVENT.
Similarly, a new player should at least reimplement the playEvent(QObject* object, const QString& command, const QString& arguments, int eventType, bool& error) method. First, it should handle pqEventTypes::ACTION_EVENT, converting the read command and parameters into Qt commands, returning true for events it can handle. For checking commands, it should be able to handle the pqEventTypes::CHECK_EVENT event type. Using the provided command and parameters to check the current value of the Qt object, it should set the error variable to false in case of different values, but it should return true for all handled check events, even failed ones.
Sometimes translator and player classes will correspond one-to-one. Developers can refer to pqLineEditEventTranslator and pqLineEditEventPlayer for simple examples, and pqAbstractItemViewEventTranslatorBase/pqAbstractItemViewEventPlayerBase for advanced examples.

Running Tests

The source code of QtTesting is easy to compile, provided with a CMake program, which allows quick compilation into a static or dynamic library. Since this testing module is called in only a few places in the product, compilation into a static library is appropriate.
QtTesting has been successfully applied in software such as VTK, ParaView, but no test cases are available publicly. Fortunately, the general-purpose engineering simulation software WELSIM not only uses QtTesting as the GUI testing framework, but also open-sourced all test cases. Users can download WELSIM and the test cases to experience automated testing based on QtTesting.
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WELSIM’s automated testing user interface is based on the interface of QtTesting, with additional features, such as:

1. Support for reading *.wstb files, which contain a set of *.xml files, allowing for easier reading of multiple test cases at once.
   
2. Saving failed test cases to *.wstb files. Users do not need to manually select test cases for saving.
   
3. Adding a right-click context menu for selecting or deselecting test cases.
   

Developers can also add other functionalities as needed.

Conclusion

QtTesting is a free testing system for Qt GUI frameworks. It not only provides the core functions for capturing QT events and signals, but also offers a user-friendly interface, making it friendly for both developers and end-users. QtTesting can assist software developers with quickly establishing testing systems. Its built-in functionality for capturing and controlling widgets can meet the testing needs of most products, and it is easy to adapt. Developers can add new testing modules based on the widgets of their own products.
We have successfully applied QtTesting to the automated testing of the simulation software WELSIM, achieving great results. The content discussed in this article can be applied not only to CAE simulation software, but also to any graphical software built using the QT framework.
WelSim and the author are not affiliated with Qt or QtTesting. There is no direct relationship between WelSim, the author, and the Qt or QtTesting development teams or organizations. The reference to Qt and QtTesting here is solely for technical blog articles and software usage reference.

Sophia College
When it comes to selecting the best college in Ajmer, Rajasthan, there is one clear standout option for young women seeking a world-class education paired with a supportive environment where they can thrive both academically and personally. That college is Sophia Girls College, widely regarded as the top institute for higher learning for female students in the region.
That is why Sophia College Ajmer is, without a doubt the Best college in Ajmer, especially for girls.
With a legacy spanning over 65 years, Sophia Girls College has earned a reputation for academic excellence rooted in a tradition of empowering women. As the only autonomous all women's college in Rajasthan, it attracts top students from across the state who wish to be part of a vibrant community focused on shaping strong female leaders of tomorrow.
Accreditation and Rankings
Sophia Girls College holds a prestigious A+ accreditation with a CGPA of 3.28 out of 4.00 from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), placing it among the very best colleges in India in terms of quality education. It was awarded autonomous status in 2007 in recognition of its high standards.
The college ranks 2nd among all colleges in Rajasthan, a remarkable feat for an institute outside the state capital. Nationally, it stands at an impressive 29th out of 500 autonomous private colleges in India - a testament to its instructional rigor and holistic approach.
For any student, being part of a college with such stellar credentials provides immense value in terms of gaining knowledge, skills, and perspectives prized by employers and universities after graduation. The NAAC grading and tiered rankings reflect the caring, stimulating academic climate that makes Sophia Girls College the leading destination for women's education in Rajasthan.
Proven Legacy of Excellence
With over 65 years of history since its founding in 1955, Sophia Girls College has built up an enviable reputation as the foremost college for women in Ajmer and wider Rajasthan. Generations of alumnae have passed through its halls, going on to become leaders in diverse fields and make vital social contributions.
The college continues to honor its commitment to high-quality teaching and shaping graduates with both intellect and social conscience. Students experience a campus culture steeped in tradition yet forward-thinking in empowering young women as changemakers. They carry on that legacy of excellence for the next 65 years and beyond.
Vibrant Student Community
Currently, Sophia Girls College hosts over 1700 students on its sprawling campus. This large student body allows for abundant opportunities to make friends, connect with like-minded individuals, and be part of a community focused on women supporting women.
The college ambiance provides a safe, nurturing environment where students can find their voice as young scholars. They join active student organizations, committees, and clubs to boost soft skills and chart their own path. With strength in numbers, students build valuable support structures while pursuing individual growth.
Expert Instruction
Students at Sophia Girls College learn from a faculty body of over 90 highly qualified professors and instructors. Teachers take an active interest in each student's progress, providing academic mentoring and life wisdom.
Most faculty hold PhDs and decades of instructional experience, imparting their extensive knowledge. Visiting faculty from prestigious institutions and industry experts deliver guest lectures, giving students exposure to diverse perspectives. Close teacher-student collaboration allows customized guidance so every student can excel.
Cutting-Edge Academic Resources
Sophia takes an innovative approach to education as evidenced in its facilities and resources. The college is equipped with 48 smart classrooms utilizing interactive technology for impactful teaching and learning. Sophia's library holds over 45,000 volumes to support research and self-driven study.
The commerce lab has 100+ computer terminals with essential software, while language labs facilitate robust listening and communication skills. Multiple seminar halls provide vibrant discussion spaces. State-of-the-art amenities give Sophia students every tool needed to unlock their potential.
Broad Range of Programs
Students can select from over 20 diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Sophia Girls College under Arts, Commerce, Computer Science, Home Science, and more. Options include Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D degrees spanning from English and Sociology to Data Science and Clinical Nutrition.
With such extensive course offerings, students are sure to find an academic path matching their individual strengths, goals, and interests. Exposure to multi-disciplinary electives broadens perspectives beyond core subjects. Sophia empowers students with the knowledge integral to future accomplishment.
Abundant Scholarship Opportunities
Sophia Girls College strives to make quality higher education accessible through an expansive scholarship program. Over 50 different scholarships and awards exist, recognizing academic merit, sports excellence, participation in arts and culture, and social service.
The value of these scholarships runs up to 100% coverage of tuition fees, making the Sophia experience a reality for deserving students regardless of financial constraints. The diverse scholarship domains reaffirm Sophia's multidimensional approach to education.
National and Global Partnerships
The college has signed over 57 national and international Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), building bonds with leading institutions worldwide. These partnerships facilitate student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, credit transfers, and more.
Global exposure is a pivotal aspect of Sophia's mission to cultivate world citizens. Students gain an intercultural lens through initiatives like the European Centre of Excellence and the U.S. Study Abroad Program. Partnerships also bring international luminaries to lecture on campus.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Sophia offers 18 multidisciplinary courses blending social sciences, humanities, and hard sciences for comprehensive understanding. Studying connections between fields is the future of education.
Combined degree options include BCBA, Biochemistry with Computer Science, Economics with Public Policy, and Clinical Nutrition with Sports Science. By transcending silos, Sophia empowers students to analyze problems through diverse but interconnected disciplines.
Stellar Placements and Careers
Sophia Girls College has an outstanding track record of student placements at graduation. The dedicated Training & Placement Cell secures students roles at top national and multinational companies, as well as higher education at premier institutions.
By melding academic excellence with skill-based training in communication, analytical thinking, and other essentials, Sophia produces graduates sought after by recruiters. From civil servants to financial analysts to entrepreneurs, alumnae affirm the college's immense role in career success.
Support Systems for Student Wellbeing
Sophia Girls College operates numerous initiatives to safeguard student physical safety, psychosocial health, and overall well-being:

• Discipline Committee and Code of Conduct
• Women's Grievance Redressal Cell
• Anti-Ragging Committee
• Student Counseling Center
• Medical Room with a full-time nurse
• Hostel Wardens for resident students

A spectrum of extracurricular clubs allows students to destress, connect, and express themselves through interests like dance, debate, music, and environmentalism. With robust support structures in place, students can thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
Modern Campus Infrastructure
College ground
Spanning many acres surrounded by mountains, Sophia Girls College's campus provides an inspiring setting to gain knowledge. Modern infrastructure includes:

• Recognized Green Campus implementing eco-friendly practices
• Sophisticated science and computer laboratories
• Amphitheater-style lecture halls equipped with audiovisual tools
• Indoor sports complex with courts for basketball, badminton, table tennis
• Girl's common room, reception lounge, and cafeteria
• Library with audio-visual section and e-resources
• Hostel with a capacity for 300 resident students

Premium amenities demonstrate the college's commitment to cultivating students holistically through academics coupled with healthy extracurricular engagement.
In sum, with its 65-year legacy of academic distinction, NAAC A+ accreditation, national rankings, diverse programs taught by experts, abundant scholarships, global partnerships, comprehensive support services, and modern campus facilities, Sophia Girls College stands as the undisputed leader among women's institutions of higher learning in Ajmer and greater Rajasthan.
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Art by Bob Nicholls
Nowadays, when we envision the words “prey,” among modern mammalian fauna, few taxa come to mind as quickly as the hoofed mammals, better known as the ungulates. Indeed, for the better part of their entire evolutionary history, the ungulates have become entirely indistinguishable from the term “prey.” Across their two major modern branches, the artiodactyls (the “even-toed ungulates,” such as bovids, pigs, deer, hippos and giraffes) and the perissodactyls (the “odd-toed ungulates,” including horses, rhinos and tapir), the ungulates too have created an empire spanning nearly every continent, establishing themselves as the the dominant herbivores throughout their entire range. However, as a price for such success, their lot as herbivores have forced them into an unenviable position: being the food for the predators. Indeed, throughout the diets of most modern predators, ungulates make up the majority, if not the entirety, of their diet, becoming their counterparts in this evolutionary dance of theirs. They have become the lamb to their wolf, the zebra to their lion, the stag to their tiger. If there is a predator in need of lunch, chances are that there is an ungulate there to provide it. Of course, such a dynamic is not necessarily a recent innovation. For the last 15-20 million years, across much of the world, both new and old, the ungulates have served as prey for these predators through it all. Over the course of whole epochs, these two groups have played into these roles for millions of years, coevolving with each other in an eons-long game of cat-and-mouse. The shoes they fill are not new, but have existed for ages, and within their niches they have cultivated their roles to perfection. Indeed, with such a tenured history, it seems hardly surprising the ungulates are wholly inseparable from the terms “prey,” itself.
However, while this is the case now, as it has been for the last 15-20 million years, go back far enough, and we see that this dynamic is not as set in stone as we would think. Indeed, back during the Eocene and Oligocene, during the very earliest days of age of mammals, things were very different for the ungulates. While today they are considered little more than food for modern predators, during these olden days, the ungulates weren’t quite so benign. In fact, far from being fodder for top predators, the ungulates had turned the tables, instead becoming top predators themselves. Indeed, though nearly unheard of today, throughout much of the Eocene and Oligocene, carnivorous ungulates thrived in abundance, developing specializations for catching large prey and establishing themselves as top predators that competed alongside the more traditional carnivores, and even dominating them in some instances. Given such success, it’s no wonder that multiple such clades had arisen during this time. Such predators included the arctocyonids, a lineage of (ironically) hoof-less ungulates with large jaws and sharp teeth for capturing large prey. There were also the mesonychians, a lineage of dog-like ungulates with massive skulls and jaws that allowed them to reign as the top predator across much of the Eocene.
However, among these various lineages, one stands stands out among the rest, by far. Arising during the Eocene, this lineage, though superficially resembling modern pigs, hailed from one an ancient lineage of artiodactyls far removed from swine or most other ungulates in general, with few close relatives alive today. Through perhaps not the most predatory of the bunch, it was among the most formidable, as their superficially pig-like appearance came with giant predatory jaws and teeth unlike anything from the modern era. And of course, as if all of that wasn’t enough, this lineage also went on to earn arguably one of the most badass nicknames of any lineage of mammals, period. These predators, of course, were the entelodonts, a.k.a the “hell-pigs.” More so than any other predatory ungulate lineage, these formidable ungulates were the ones to turn the current paradigm upside down, becoming some of the largest and most dominant carnivores in their landscape, even with (and often in spite of) the presence of more traditional predators. Through impressive size, fearsome teeth and sheer tenacity, these animals became the top dogs of their time, ruling as behemoth-kings of their Paleogene kingdoms, domineering all comers, and throughout the ranks, one entelodont in particular demonstrated such dominance the best. Though not the largest or most powerful of their kind, it is one of the most iconic, being among the most well-known members of its lineage to date. Moreover, this enteledont also has some of the most complete life histories ever seen out of this clade, with its brutality and predatory prowess being displayed in the fossil record in a way seen in no other member of its kind. More than anything else, however, it was this predator that best turned the notion of “ungulates being prey” on its head, living in an environment that bore some of the largest carnivoran hypercarnivores to date and still reigning as the undisputed top predator of its domain. This fearsome beast was none other than Archaeotherium, icon of the entelodonts, terror of the Oligocene American west and undisputed king of the White River badlands.
The rise of Archaeotherium (and of entelodonts in general) is closely tied to the ascendancy of carnivorous ungulates as a whole, one of the earliest evolutionary success stories of the entire Cenozoic. Having become their own derived clade since the late Cretaceous, the ungulates were remarkably successful during the early Paleogene, as they were among the first mammalian clades to reach large sizes during those early days after the non-avian dinosaurs had gone extinct. As such, it was with incredible swiftness that, as the Paleogene progressed, the ungulates swooped upon the various niches left empty by the K-Pg mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs. This of course included the herbivorous niches we would know them for today, but this also included other, much more carnivore roles. Indeed, early on during the Paleogene, it was the ungulates that first seized the roles of large mammalian predators, becoming some the earliest large mammalian carnivores to ever live, well before even the carnivorans. Such predators included the arctocyonids, a lineage of vaguely dog-like, hoof-less ungulates with robust jaws and sharpened teeth that acted as some of earliest large carnivores of the Paleocene, with genera such as Arctocyon mumak getting up to the size of big cats. Even more prolific were the mesonychids. More so than what pretty much any other lineage of predator, it was the mesonychids that would stand out as the earliest dominant predators of the early Cenozoic. Growing up to the size of bears and with enormous, bone-crushing jaws, the mesonychids were among the most powerful and successful predators on the market at that time, with a near-global range and being capable of subjugating just about any other predator in their environments. Indeed, they, along with other carnivorous ungulates (as well as ungulates in general), were experiencing a golden age during this time, easily being the most prolific predators of the age. Given such prevalence, it should be no surprise that there would be yet another lineage of predatory ungulates would throw their hat into the ring, and by early Eocene, that contender would none other than the entelodonts.
The very first entelodonts had arisen from artiodactyl ancestors during the Eocene epoch, at a time when artiodactyls were far more diverse and bizarre than they are now. Through today known from their modern herbivorous representatives such as bovines, deer, and antelope, during the Paleocene and Eocene, the artiodacyls, as with most ungulates of that time, were stronger and far more predaceous, particularly when it came to one such clade of artiodactyls, the cetacodontamorphs. Only known today from hippos and another group of artiodactyls (one which will become relevant later), the cetacodantomorphs emerged out of Asia around 55 million years ago, at around the same time that artiodactyls themselves had made their debut. These animals included the first truly predatory artiodactyls, with many of them possessing large skulls with powerful jaws and sharp, predatory teeth. Among their ranks included animals as puny as Indohyus, a piscivorous artiodactyl the size of a cat, to as formidable as Andrewsarchus, a giant, bison-sized predator often touted as one of the largest predatory mammals to ever live. Given such a predatory disposition, it wouldn’t be long until this clade produced a lineage of truly diverse, truly successful predators, and by around 40 million years ago, that is exactly what they did, as it was at that time that the entelodonts themselves first emerged. From their Asian homeland, the entelodonts spread across the world, spreading through not only most of Eurasia but also colonizing North America as well, with genera such as Brachyhyops being found across both continents. Here, in this North American frontier, the entelodonts began to diversify further, turning into their most successful and formidable forms yet, and it was around the late Eocene and early Oligocene that Archaeotherium itself had entered the scene.
Just from a passing glance at Archaeotherium, it is clear how exactly it (as well as the other entelodonts) earned the nickname of “hell-pigs.” It was a bruiser for starters; its body bore a robust, pig-like physique, with prominent neural spines and their associated musculature forming a hump around the shoulder region, similar to the hump of a bison. With such a bulky physique came with it impressive size; the average A. mortoni had a head-body length of roughly 1.6-2.0 m (5.3-6.6 ft), a shoulder height of 1.2 m (4 ft) and a body mass of around 180 kg (396 lb) in weight (Boardman & Secord, 2013; Joeckel, 1990). At such sizes, an adult Archaeotherium the size of a large male black bear. However, they had the potential to get even bigger. While most Archaeotherium specimens were around the size described above, a select few specimens, labeled under the synonymous genus “Megachoerus,” are found to be much larger, with skulls getting up to 66% longer than average A. mortoni specimens (Foss, 2001; Joeckel, 1990). At such sizes and using isometric scaling, such massive Archaeotherium specimens would attained body lengths over 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and would have reached weighs well over 500 kg (1100 lb), or as big as a mature male polar bear. Indeed, at such sizes, it is already abundantly evident that Archaeotherium is a force to be recorded with.
However, there was more to these formidable animals than sheer size alone. Behind all that bulk was an astoundingly swift and graceful predator, especially in terms of locomotion. Indeed, the hoofed feet of Archaeotherium, along with other entelodonts, sported several adaptations that gave it incredible locomotive efficiency, essentially turning it into a speed demon of the badlands. Such adaptations include longer distal leg elements (e.g. the radius and tibia) than their proximal counterparts (e.g. the humerus and femur), fusion of the radius and ulna for increased running efficiency, the loss of the clavicle (collar-bone) to allow for greater leg length, the loss of the acromion to enhance leg movement along the fore-and-aft plane, the loss of digits to reduce the mass of the forelimb, the fusion of the ectocuneiform and the mesocuneiform wrist-bones, among many other such traits (Theodore, 1996) . Perhaps most significant of these adaptations is the evolution of the “double-pulley astragalus (ankle-bone),” a specialized modification of the ankle that, while restricting rotation and side-to-side movement at the ankle-joint, allows for greater rotation in the fore-and-aft direction, thus allowing for more more powerful propulsion from the limbs, faster extension and retraction of the limbs and overall greater locomotive efficiency (Foss, 2001). Of course, such a trait was not only found in entelodonts but in artiodactyls as a whole, likely being a response to predatory pressures from incumbent predatory clades arising at the same time as the artiodactyls (Foss, 2001). However, in the case of the entelodonts, such adaptations were not used for merely escaping predators. Rather, they were used to for another, much more lethal effect…
Such notions are further reinforced by the entelodonts most formidable aspect, none either than their fearsome jaws, and in this respect, Archaeotherium excelled. Both for its size and in general, the head of Archaeotherium was massive, measuring 40-50 cm (1.3-1.6 ft) in length among average A. mortoni specimens, to up to 78 cm (~2.6 ft) in the larger “Megachoerus” specimens (Joeckel, 1990). Such massive skulls were supported and supplemented by equally massive neck muscles and ligaments, which attached to massive neural spines on the anterior thoracic vertebrae akin to a bisons hump as well as to the sternum, allowing Archaeotherium to keep its head aloft despite the skulls massive size (Effinger, 1998). Of course, with such a massive skull, it should come as no surprise that such skulls housed exceptionally formidable jaws as well, and indeed, the bite of Archaeotherium was an especially deadly one. Its zygomatic arches (cheek-bones) and its temporal fossa were enlarged and expanded, indicative of massive temporalis muscles that afforded Archaeotherium astoundingly powerful bites (Joeckel, 1990). This is further augmented by Archaeotherium’s massive jugal flanges (bony projections of the cheek), which supported powerful masseter muscles which enhanced chewing and mastication, as well as an enlarged postorbital bar that reinforced the skull against torsional stresses (Foss, 2001). Last but not least, powerful jaws are supplemented by an enlarged gape, facilitated by a low coronoid process and enlarged posterior mandibular tubercles (bony projections originating from the lower jaw), which provided an insertion site for sternum-to-mandible jaw abduction muscles, allowing for a more forceful opening of the jaw (Foss, 2001). All together, such traits suggest a massive and incredibly fearsome bite, perhaps the most formidable of any animal in its environment.
Of course, none of such traits are especially indicative of a predatory lifestyle. Indeed, many modern non-predatory ungulates, like hippos, pigs and peccaries, also possess large, formidable skulls and jaws. However, in peeling back the layers, it is found there was more to the skull of Archaeotherium that lies in store. Indeed, when inspecting the animal closely, a unique mosaic of features is revealed; traits that make it out to be much more lethal than the average artiodactyl. On one hand, Archaeotherium possessed many traits similar to those of herbivores animals, as is expected of ungulates. For instance, its jaw musculature that allowed the lower jaw of Archaeotherium a full side-to-side chewing motion as in herbivores (whereas most carnivores can only move their lower jaw up and down)(Effinger, 1998). On the other hand, Archaeotherium wielded many other traits far more lethal in their morphology, less akin to a herbivore and far more akin to a bonafide predator. For instance, the aforementioned enlarged gape of Archaeotherium is a bizarre trait on a supposed herbivore, as such animals do not need large gapes to eat vegetation and thus have smaller, more restricted gapes. Conversely, many predatory lineages have comparatively large gapes, as larger gapes allow for the the jaws to grab on to more effectively larger objects, namely large prey animals (Joeckel, 1990).
Such a juxtaposition, however, is most evident when discussing the real killing instruments of Archaeotherium — the teeth. More so than any facet of this animal, the teeth of Archaeotherium are the real stars of the show, showing both how alike it was compared to its herbivores counterparts and more importantly, how it couldn’t be more different. For instance, the molars of Archaeotherium were quite similar to modern herbivores ungulates, in that they were robust, bunodont, and were designed for crushing and grinding, similar in form and function to modern ungulates like peccaries (Joeckel, 1990). However, while the molars give the impression that Archaeotherium was a herbivore, the other teeth tell a very different story. The incisors, for example, were enlarged, sharpened, and fully interlocked (as opposed to the flat-topped incisors seen in herbivores ungulates), creating an incisor array that was seemingly ill-suited for cropping vegetation and much more adept at for gripping, puncturing and cutting (Joeckel, 1990). Even more formidable were the canines. Like the modern pigs from which entelodonts derived their nicknames, the canines of Archaeotherium were sharp and enlarged to form prominent tusk-like teeth, but unlike pigs, they were rounded in cross-section (similar to modern carnivores like big cats, indicating more durable canines that can absorb and resist torsional forces, such as those from struggling prey) and were serrated to form a distinct cutting edge (Effinger, 1998; Joeckel, 1990; Ruff & Van Valkenburgh, 1987). These canines, along with the incisors, interlock to stabilize the jaws while biting and dismantling in a carnivore-like fashion. More strikingly, the canines also seem to act as “occlusal guides,” wherein the canines help align the movement and position of the rear teeth as they come together, allowing for a more efficient shearing action by the rear teeth. This function is seen most prevalently modern carnivorous mammals, and is evidenced by the canine tooth-wear, which is also analogous to modern predators like bears and canids (Joeckel, 1990). Indeed, going off such teeth alone, it is clear that Archaeotherium is far more predatory than expected of an ungulate. However, the real stars of the show, the teeth that truly betray the predatory nature of these ungulates, are the premolars. Perhaps the most carnivore-like teeth in the entelodont’s entire tooth row, the premolars of Archaeotherium, particularly the anterior premolars, are laterally compressed, somewhat conical in shape, and are weakly serrated to bear a cutting edge, giving them a somewhat carnivorous form and function of shearing and slicing (Effinger, 1998). Most strikingly of all, the premolars of Archaeotherium bear unique features similar not to modern herbivores, but to durophagous carnivores like hyenas, particularly apical wear patterns, highly thickened enamel, “zigzag-shaped” enamel prism layers (Hunter-Schraeger bands) on the premolars which is also seen in osteophagous animals like hyenas, and an interlocking premolar interface wherein linear objects (such as bones) inserted into jaws from the side would be pinned between the premolars and crushed (Foss, 2001). Taken together, these features do not suggest a diet of grass or vegetation like other ungulates. Rather, they suggest a far more violent diet, one including flesh as well as hard, durable foods, particularly bone. All in all, the evidence is clear. Archaeotherium and other entelodonts, unlike the rest of their artiodactyl kin, were not the passive herbivores as we envision ungulates today. Rather, they were willing, unrepentant meat-eaters that had a taste for flesh as well as foliage.
Of course, even with such lines of evidence, its hard to conclude that Archaeotherium was a true predator. After all, its wide gape and durophagous teeth could have just as easily been used for scavenging or even to eat tough plant matter such as seeds or nuts, as in peccaries and pigs, which themselves share many of the same adaptations as Archaeotherium, include the more carnivorous ones (e.g. the wide gape, using the canines as an occlusal guide, etc.). How exactly do we know that these things were veritable predators and not pretenders to the title. To this end, there is yet one last piece of evidence, one that puts on full display the predatory prowess of Archaeotherium —evidence of a kill itself. Found within oligocene-aged sediment in what is now Wyoming, a collection of various fossil remains was found, each belonging to the ancient sheep-sized camel Poebrotherium, with many of the skeletal remains being disarticulated and even missing whole hindlimbs or even entire rear halves of their body. Tellingly, many of the remains bear extensive bite marks and puncture wounds across their surface. Upon close examination, the spacing and size of the punctures leave only one culprit: Archaeotherium. Of course, such an event could still have been scavenging; the entelodonts were consuming the remains of already dead, decomposed camels, explaining the bite marks. What was far more telling, however, was where the bite marks were found. In addition bite marks being found on the torso and lumbar regions of the camels, various puncture wounds were found on the skull and neck, which were otherwise uneaten. Scavengers rarely feast on the head to begin with; there is very little worthwhile meat on it besides the brain, cheek-muscles and eyes, and even if they did feed on the skull and neck, they would still eat it wholesale, not merely bite it and then leave it otherwise untouched. Indeed, it was clear that this was no mere scavenging event. Rather than merely consuming these camels, Archaeotherium was actively preying upon and killing them, dispatching them via a crushing bite to the skull or neck before dismembering and even bisecting the hapless camels with their powerful jaws to preferentially feast on their hindquarters (likely by swallowing the hindquarters whole, as the pelvis of Poebrotherium was coincidentally the perfect width for Archaeotherium to devour whole), eventually discarding the leftovers in meat caches for later consumption (Sundell, 1999). With this finding, such a feat of brutality leaves no doubt in ones mind as to what the true nature of Archaeotherium was. This was no herbivore, nor was it a simple scavenger. This was an active, rapacious predator, the most powerful in its entire ecosystem.
Indeed, with such brutal evidence of predation frozen in time, combined with various dental, cranial, and post cranial adaptations of this formidable animal, it’s possible to paint a picture of how this formidable creature lived. Though an omnivore by trade, willing and able to feast on plant matter such as grass, roots and tubers, Archaeotherium was also a wanton predator that took just about any prey it wanted. Upon detecting its prey, it approached its vicim from ambush before launching itself at blazing speed. From there, its cursorial, hoofed legs, used by other ungulates for escape predation, were here employed to capture prey, carrying it at great speeds as it caught up to its quarry. Having closed the distance with its target, it was then that the entelodont brought its jaws to bear, grabbing hold of the victim with powerful jaws and gripping teeth to bring it to a screeching halt. If the victim is lucky, Archaeotherium will then kill it quickly with a crushing bite to the skull or neck, puncturing the brain or spinal cord and killing its target instantly. If not, the victim is eaten alive, torn apart while it’s still kicking, as modern boars will do today. In any case, incapacitated prey are subsequently dismantled, with the entelodont using its entire head and heavily-muscled necks to bite into and pull apart its victim in devastating “puncture-and pull’ bites (Foss, 2001). Prey would then finally be consumed starting at the hindquarters, with not even the bones of its prey being spared. Such brutality, though far from clean, drove home a singular truth: that during this time, ungulates were not just prey, that they were not the mere “predator-fodder” we know them as today. rather, they themselves were the predators themselves, dominating as superb hunters within their domain and even suppressing clades we know as predators today, least of all the carnivorans. Indeed, during this point in time, the age of the carnivorous ungulates had hit their stride, and more specifically, the age of entelodonts had begun.
Of course, more so than any other entelodont, Archaeotherium took to this new age with gusto. Archaeotherium lived from 35-28 million years ago during the late Eocene and early Oligocene in a locality known today as the White River Badlands, a fossil locality nestled along the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Though a chalky, barren landscape today, during the time of Archaeotherium, the White River Badlands was a swamp-like floodplain crisscrossed with rivers and interspersed with by a mosaic of forests concentrated around waterways, open woodlands and open plains. As with most ecosystems with such a lush disposition, this locale teemed with life, with ancient hornless rhinos, small horse-like hyracodonts and early camels roaming the open habitats while giant brontotheres, small early horses and strange, sheep-like ungulates called merycoidodonts (also known as “oreodonts”) dwelled within the dense forests. Within this locale, Archaeotherium stalked the open woodlands and riparian forests of its domain. Here, it acted as a dominant predator and scavenger across is territory, filling a niche similar to modern grizzly bears but far more predatory. Among its preferred food items would be plant matter such as roots, foliage and nuts, but also meat in the form of carrion or freshly caught prey. In this respect, smaller ungulates such as the fleet-footed camel Poebrotherium, a known prey item of Archaeotherium, would have made a for choice prey, as its small size would make it easy for Archaeotherium to dispatch with its powerful jaws, while the entelodonts swift legs gave it the speed necessary to keep pace with its agile prey.
However, the entelodont didn’t have such a feast all to itself. Just as the badlands teemed with herbivores, so too did it teem with rival predators. Among their ranks included fearsome predators such as Hyaenodon, a powerful, vaguely dog-like predator up to the size of wolves (as in H. horridus) or even lions (as in the Eocene-aged H. megaloides, which was replaced by H. horridus during the Oligocene). Armed with a massive head, fierce jaws and a set of knife-like teeth that could cut down even large prey in seconds, these were some of the most formidable predators on the landscape. There were also the nimravids, cat-like carnivorans that bore saber-teeth to kill large prey in seconds, and included the likes of the lynx-sized Dinictis, the leopard-sized Hoplophoneus and even the jaguar-sized Eusmilus. Furthermore, there were amphicyonids, better known as the bear-dogs. Though known from much larger forms later on in their existence, during the late Eocene and Oligocene, they were much smaller and acted as the “canid-analogues” of the ecosystem, filling a role similar to wolves or coyotes. Last but not least, there were the bathornithid birds, huge cariamiform birds related to modern seriemas but much larger, which filled a niche similar to modern seriemas or secretary birds, albeit on a much larger scale. Given such competition, it would seem that Archaeotherium would have its hands full. However, things are not as they appear. For starters, habitat differences would mitigate high amounts of competition, as both Hyaenodon and the various nimravids occupy more specialized ecological roles (being a plains-specialist and forest-specialist, respectively) than did Archaeotherium, providing a buffer to stave off competition: More importantly, however, none of the aforementioned predators were simply big enough to take Archaeotherium on. During the roughly 7 million years existence of Archaeotherium, the only carnivore that matched it in size was H. megaloides, and even that would have an only applied to average A. mortoni individuals, not to the much larger, bison-sized “Megachoerus” individuals. The next largest predator at that point would be the jaguars-sized Eusmilus (specifically E. adelos) which would have only been a bit more than half the size of even an average A. mortoni. Besides that, virtually every other predator on the landscape was simply outclassed by the much larger entelodont in terms of size and brute strength. As such, within its domain, Archaeotherium had total, unquestioned authority, dominating the other predators in the landscape and likely stealing their kills as well. In fact, just about the only threat Archaeotherium had was other Archaeotherium, as fossil bite marks suggest that this animal regularly and fraglantly engaged in intraspecific combat, usually through face-biting and possibly even jaw-wrestling (Effinger, 1998; Tanke & Currie, 1998). Nevertheless, it was clear that Archaeotherium was the undisputed king of the badlands; in a landscape of hyaenodonts and carnivorans galore, it was a hoofed ungulate that reigned supreme.
However, such a reign would not last. As the Eocene transitioned into the Eocene, the planet underwent an abrupt cooling and drying phase known as Eocene-Oligocene Transition or more simply the Grande Coupure. This change in climate would eliminate the sprawling wetlands and river systems that Archaeotherium had been depending on, gradually replacing it with drier and more open habitats. To its credit, Archaeotherium did manage to hang on, persisting well after the Grand-Coupure had taken place, but in the end the damage had been done; Archaeotherium was a dead-man-walking. Eventually, by around 28 million years ago, Archaeotherium would go extinct, perishing due to this change in global climate (Gillham, 2019). Entelodonts as a whole would persist into the Miocene, producing some of their largest forms ever known in the form of the bison-sized Daeodon (which was itself even more carnivorous than Archaeotherium), however they too would meet the same fate as their earlier cousins. By around 15-20 million years ago, entelodonts as a whole would go extinct. However, while the entelodonts may have perished, this was not the end of carnivorous ungulates as a whole. Recall that the cetacodontamorphs, the lineage of artiodactyls that produced the entelodonts, left behind two living descendants. The first among them were the hippos, themselves fairly frequent herbivores. The second of such lineage, however, was a different story. Emerging out of South Asia, this lineage of piscivorous cetacodontamorphs, in a an attempt to further specialize for the fish-hunting lifestyle, began to delve further and further into the water, becoming more and more aquatic and the millennia passed by. At a certain point, these carnivorous artiodactlys had become something completely unrecognizable from their original hoofed forms. Their skin became hairless and their bodies became streamlined for life in water. Their hoofed limbs grew into giant flippers for steering in the water and their previously tiny tails became massive and sported giant tail flukes for aquatic propulsion. Their noses even moved to the tip of their head, becoming a blowhole that would be signature to this clade as a whole. Indeed, this clade was none other than the modern whales, themselves derived, carnivorous ungulates that had specialized for a life in the water, and in doing so, became the some of the most dominant aquatic predators across the globe for millions of years. Indeed, though long gone, the legacy of the entelodonts and of predatory ungulates as a whole, a legacy Archaeotherium itself had helped foster, lives on in these paragons of predatory prowess, showing that the ungulates are more than just the mere “prey” that they are often made out to be. Moreover, given the success that carnivorous ungulates had enjoyed in the past and given how modern omnivorous ungulates like boar dabble in predation themselves, perhaps, in the distant future, this planet may see the rise of carnivorous ungulates once again, following in the footsteps left behind by Archaeotherium and the other predatory ungulates all those millions of years ago.