Parahippus leonensis

Taxobox
name = "Parahippus leonensis"
fossil_range = Mid Oligocene to Early Miocene
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Herbivore
familia = Equidae
subfamilia = †Anchitheriinae
genus = †"Parahippus"
species = †"P. leonensis"
species_authority = Sellards, 1916
binomial = †"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. [ [http://www.bbhc.org/unbrokenSpirit/evolution_1.cfm Buffalo Bill Historic Center, Evolution of the horse] ] [ [http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/horses/horse_evol.html Talk origins: Horses] ] 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). [Fossil Horses, Florida Museum of Natural History]

"Parahippus leonensis" was very likely the prey of "Amphicyon" or Bear-dog, and dog-like "Temnocyon".

References

External links

* [http://www.fossil-treasures-of-florida.com/three-toed-horse.html Three-toed horse]