Merycochoerus

Today, Merycochoerus is a topic that generates great interest and debate in society. From its origins to its current impact, Merycochoerus has been the object of study and reflection by experts and professionals in different fields. Throughout history, Merycochoerus has played a fundamental role in the evolution of humanity, influencing the way we live, work and relate. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Merycochoerus and its importance in today's world, analyzing its effects and possible implications for the future.

Merycochoerus
Temporal range: Early Oligocene
Merycochoerus superbus skull
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: †Merycoidodontidae
Genus: †Merycochoerus
Leidy 1858
Type species
†Merychochoerus proprius
Species

see text

Synonyms
  • Megoreodon
  • Paracotylops
  • Promerycochoerus
  • Superdesmatochoerus

Merycochoerus (Greek: "ruminant" (merux)-like "swine" (khoiros)[1]) is an extinct genus of oreodont of the family Merycoidodontidae, endemic to North America. They lived during the Early Oligocene 33.9—30.8 mya, existing for approximately 3 million years.[2] Fossils are widespread through the western United States.

Restoration of M. carrikeri by Robert Bruce Horsfall
Restoration of M. proprius

Merycochoerus was a cud-chewing plant-eater with a long face, tusk-like canine teeth, heavy body, long tail, short feet, and four-toed hooves.[citation needed] The 1 metre (3.3 ft) long animals are thought to have been amphibious, as members of the genus possessed an elongated, barrel-shaped body and short limbs that are typical adaptations found in semi-aquatic mammals.[3]

Species

  • M. carrikeri (syn. Promerycochoerus thomsoni)
  • M. chelydra (syn. Promerycochoerus barbouri)
  • M. magnus
  • M. matthewi
  • M. pinensis
  • M. proprius
  • M. superbus (syn. M. fricki, M. leidyi, M. macrostegus, M. montanus, M. temporalis, Promerycochoerus grandis, P. hatcheri, P. hollandi, P. inflatus, P. latidens, P. loomisi, P. lulli, P. marshi, P. microcephalus)
  • M. vantasselensis

Resources

  1. ^ "Glossary. American Museum of Natural History". Archived from the original on 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ Merycochoerus at fossilworks
  3. ^ Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 271. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
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