Parahippus is an apparent evolutionary link between the older horses of the forest and the modern grazing animals found on the plains. They lived from 24-17 million years ago during the early Miocene.
Reach
This transitory species ranged the Great Plains and Florida. They have three toes like their more primitive ancestors, however the side toes have become smaller and used less.
The Parahippus was German Shepherd sized and thought to be a close relative to group from which modern horse arose.
Those Pearly Whites
Perhaps the most notable contribution of this animal is it’s teeth. Dental records show they may have been instrumental in the change from a forest diet of leaves to grasses on the plains. The Parahippus developed teeth that enabled them to add grass to their existing diet of leaves.
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 the Mesohippus, Orohippus, Eohippus, Hipparion & Megahippus.