Blastomeryx Explained

Blastomeryx is an extinct genus of musk deer endemic to North America. It lived during the Miocene epoch 20.4—10.3 mya, existing for approximately .[1] There may be only one species, Blastomeryx gemmifer.[2]

Blastomeryx was long and looked like a modern chevrotain. Its canines were elongated into tusks which it probably used to uproot plants and fend off predators. While Blastomeryx (as well as modern musk deer) lacked antlers, a Middle Miocene species had bony knobs on its skull, which have been interpreted as incipient horns.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.fossilworks.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=taxonInfo&taxon_no=42642 Blastomeryx at fossilworks
  2. Prothero, 2007 (p. 221-226)
  3. Book: Palmer, D.. 1999 . The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. Marshall Editions. London. 273. 1-84028-152-9.