Pseudoprotoceras is an extinct genus of Artiodactyla, of the family Protoceratidae, endemic to central North America. It lived during the Late Eocene 37.2—33.9 Ma, existing for approximately 3 million years.[1] Pseudoprotoceras resembled hornless[2] deer, but were more closely related to camelids.
Pseudoprotoceras Temporal range:
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Skeleton | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Artiodactyla |
Family: | †Protoceratidae |
Genus: | †Pseudoprotoceras Cook 1934 |
Type species | |
†Pseudoprotoceras longinaris | |
Species | |
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Body mass was similar to other Eocene protoceratids such as Heteromeryx and Poabromylus yet greater than Leptotragulus and Leptoreodon. Miocene members were apparently larger as well.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Pseudoprotoceras at fossilworks
- ^ Emry, R. J., and J. E. Storer. 1981. The hornless protoceratid Pseudoprotoceras (Tylopoda: Artiodactyla) in the early Oligocene of Saskatchewan and Wyoming. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 1:101-110
- McKenna, Malcolm C., and Bell, Susan K. 1997. Classification of Mammals Above the Species Level. Columbia University Press, New York, 631 pp. ISBN 0-231-11013-8