How did chalicotheres differ from most other perissodactyls?

Chalicotheres were considered "aberrant" perissodactyls that differed significantly from most other members of the order in their physical structure and specialized adaptations. While most perissodactyls are characterized by hooves, chalicotheres lacked them entirely; instead, each of their three toes terminated in a strongly developed claw.12

These animals also exhibited a distinct body shape, with front limbs that were longer than their hind limbs, resulting in a downward-sloping back. Furthermore, their teeth were unique and unhorselike, featuring a bunolophodont structure similar to that of the Brontotheriidae. It is believed these specialized features were related to their feeding habits, as they likely used their claws to pull down tree branches for browsing or to dig for roots and tubers.213