Cuvier made another powerful demonstration of the power of comparative anatomy in paleontology when he presented a second paper in 1796 on a large fossil skeleton from Paraguay, which he named Megatherium and identified as a giant sloth by comparing its skull to those of two living species of tree sloth. Cuvier's ground-breaking work in paleontology and comparative anatomy led to the widespread acceptance of extinction.
Cuvier's presentation of a large fossil skeleton from Paraguay, naming it Megatherium and identifying it as a giant sloth through comparisons with living tree sloths' skulls, showcased the power of comparative anatomy in paleontology. This work contributed to the acceptance of extinction.