Horned gopher
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Ceratogaulus rhinocerus |
The horned gophers were several related species of herbivorous rodents from the Oligocene and Pleistocene eras, belonging to the extinct genus Ceratogaulus (syn.: Epigaulus), in the family Mylagaulidae. As their common name indicates, they had two horns; these were large, paired, and originated from the nose. Horned gophers are the smallest known mammals to have horns, the only known species of horned rodent, and (aside from one fossil species of armadillo, Peltephilus), the only known fossorial horned mammals. They were native to what is now the Great Plains of North America.
The role of the horns is subject to much speculation; possibilities include digging (although this has largely been ruled out by the horns' position and orientation), sexual display or combat, and defense from predators. Because the horns were not sexually dimorphic, their role in defense seems most likely.
