Parahippus leonensis
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| Parahippus leonensis Fossil range: Mid Oligocene to Early Miocene |
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| †Parahippus leonensis |
Parahippus leonensis was an ancient form of horse with three toes (anchitheres) which was common during the latter Chattian age of the Paleogene epoch to the early Aquitanian age of the Miocene epoch.
Parahippus leonensis lived 24 Ma to 17 Ma and the next step in evolution after Miohippus. Parahippus means "side horse" and has been called the evolutionary link between the older forest-dwelling horses and modern plains-dwelling grazers. It is believed to be a close relative to the group from which modern horses evolved.[1][2] Side may refer to side branches on the posterior crest of the upper molars which separated Parahippus from Anchitherium.
This genus of horses had a long head with eyes situated back from the middle of the skull. It had three toes, like other primitive horses, however Parahippus leonensis had smaller side toes. It was a common species from the Great Plains to Florida. Parahippus leonensis weighed in at about 72.5 Kg (160 pounds).[3]
Parahippus leonensis was very likely the prey of Amphicyon or Bear-dog, and dog-like Temnocyon.
[edit] References
- ^ Buffalo Bill Historic Center, Evolution of the horse
- ^ Talk origins: Horses
- ^ Fossil Horses, Florida Museum of Natural History
[edit] External links
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