Notochoerus

Notochoerus
Temporal range: Miocene–Pliocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Subfamily: Tetraconodontinae
Genus: Notochoerus
Species
  • N. capensis (type)
  • N. euilus
  • N. scotti

Notochoerus is an extinct genus of very large pig-like animals from the subfamily Tetraconodontinae. Fossils have been found in Africa, notably Uganda and Ethiopia.[1]

Description

Notochoerus were among the largest pigs ever, with adults weighing up to 450 kg (990 lbs).[2] These pigs were likely derived from the genus Nyanzachoerus. Like other tetraconodontine pigs, the males had ornamental growths on their skulls, formed from enamel.

References

  1. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1671/2499#preview
  2. Evolving Eden By Alan Turner and Mauricio Anton
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