Tetrameryx

<i>Tetrameryx</i>

Tetrameryx

Extinct genus of mammals

Tetrameryx is an extinct genus of the North American artiodactyl family Antilocapridae, known from Mexico,[2] the western United States, and Saskatchewan in Canada.[1]

Quick Facts Scientific classification, Species ...

Taxonomy

The name means "four [horned] ruminant", referring to the division of each horn near its base into two prongs; in T. shuleri, the rear prong is much longer.[3] 5 species are known.

Description

T. shuleri holotype skull

One member of the genus, T. shuleri, survived until about 12,000 years ago, and was present when Paleo-Indians reached North America.[4] Although approximately the same size as the living pronghorn, the limb bones are somewhat more robust, suggesting that its running speed was slower than living pronghorn.[5]

References

  1. [1]
    "Tetrameryx Lull 1921". Paleobiology Database. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  2. [2]
    Dalquest, W. W. (1974-03-30). "A New Species of Four-Horned Antilocaprid from Mexico". Journal of Mammalogy. 55 (1): 96–101. doi:10.2307/1379259. JSTOR 1379259.
  3. [3]
    "Stockoceros and Tetrameryx: the Four-Horned Pronghorns". Prehistoric Pronghorn. International Wildlife Museum. Archived from the original on 2016-06-29. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  4. [4]
    "Tetrameryx shuleri Lull 1921". Paleobiology Database. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  5. [5]
    "Tule Springs Pronghorn (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2022-06-27.


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