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: Late Eocene
Skeleton
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Protoceratidae
Genus: Pseudoprotoceras
Cook 1934
Type species
Pseudoprotoceras longinaris
Species
  • P. longinaris Cook 1934
  • P. minor Wilson 1974
  • P. taylori Emry & Storer 1981

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

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  1. ^ Pseudoprotoceras at fossilworks
  2. ^ 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