Ramoceros
| Ramoceros | |
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| Ramoceros osborni skeleton | |
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| Genus: | Ramoceros
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| Species: | 'R. osborni'
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| Binomial name | |
| Ramoceros osborni | |
Ramoceros is an extinct genus of artiodactyl endemic to Miocene and Pliocene North America.[1]
Relatives and characteristics
The ramoceros was a prehistoric relative of modern pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), which is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America; pronghorn are the second-fastest mammal in the world.[1] The modern pronghorn weights about 35 to 70 kg, whereas the smaller ramoceros generally weighed 10-20 kg.[2]
Ramoceros is one of several genera that originated from Merycodontinae, of which the pronghorn is the only surviving remnant.[3]
The long forked horns of the ramoceros may have been used by rival males in competition. Like other antilocaprids, the ramoceros regrew their horns every year, forming new horns growing on bony centers. For that reason, many scientists believe pronghorns are more closely related to deer than to cattle.[1]
Bibliography
- Vertebrate Palaeontology by Michael J. Benton
- The Evolution of Artiodactyls by Donald R. Prothero and Scott E. Foss
References
- ^ a b c Blount, Kitty and Crowley, Maggie. Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Life, p. 271 (Penguin, 2008).
- ^ Kues, Barry. The Paleontology of New Mexico, p. 364 (University of New Mexico Press, 2008).
- ^ Heffelfinger, Jim. Deer of the Southwest: A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White, p. 26 (Texas A&M University Press, 2006).
