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Early artiodactyl mammal (composite)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC, United States
Efficient Movers
Many herbivores evolved long legs. A longer stride means fewer steps to cover a distance, which saves energy. Long ligaments in the legs allowed standing with less fatigue. Long legs also make animals taller and faster—important for spotting predators and fleeing from them.
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Details
- Title: Early artiodactyl mammal (composite)
- Location: Brule Formation, Scotts Bluff Co., Nebraska, United States, North America
- Physical Dimensions: L: 68 cm W: 20 cm H: 35 cm
- Type: Fossil
- Rights: This image was obtained from the Smithsonian Institution. The image or its contents may be protected by international copyright laws. http://www.si.edu/termsofuse
- Weight: 50 kg
- USNM Catalog Number(s): V2455, V16825, and others
- Scientific Name: <i>Miniochoerus gracilis</i>
- Photo Credit: Donald E. Hurlbert, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History
- Historic Period: Lived 37–33 million years ago
- Geologic Age: Cenozoic - Paleogene - Late Eocene - Early Oligocene
- Field: Paleobiology
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