The Merychippus was a pivotal ancestor in the equine family tree as they were among the first grass eaters of their time. They lived around 17 to 11 million years ago during the Miocene.
More Like Modern Horse
Unlike many of the other primitive horse species the Merychippus looked similar to the horses of today. Their phyosiology provided them with a longer, broader face for grazing and long legs to help them escape predators on the plains and cover distances to find food. However they were plagued by two extra primitive toes on each foot which diminished in size as they evolved.
Merychippus means ‘ruminant horse’ although it was doubtful if the animal ruminated. A ruminant horse would entirely change the way we look at equines!
A Change of Food
This horse species change in diet from leaves of the forests to grasses of the plains is what made them successful enough to persevere into modern times. They were also larger, closer to the size of a modern pony with longer legs. Their center toe had a well-developed hoof and carried most of their weight, also helping them to run faster.
Not An Exact Science
Sadly we didn’t have scientists millions of years ago, so trying to piece together the history of horses is tricky business. There is a considerable amount of controversy when it comes to the taxonomy & lineage of extinct equidae. Be sure to meet some of the others like Mesohippus, Orohippus, Eohippus and Hipparion.
it has big cheek bones
I wanted to know the diet and habitat. lulz