Cynarctoides Explained

Cynarctoides is an extinct genus of the Borophaginae subfamily of canids native to North America. It lived from the Early Oligocene to the Middle Miocene, 33.3—13.6 Mya, existing for approximately . Seven species are currently recognised, all of which are estimated to have weighed no more than . They had an unusual dentition that implies an omnivorous, or possibly even herbivorous, diet.^[1]

Species

• Cynarctoides acridens Barbour & Cook 1914 (syn. Cynarctus mustelinus) - Wyoming, California, New Mexico, Texas, ~20.6—16.3 Ma
• Cynarctoides emryi Wang et al. 1999 - Nebraska ~20.6—16.3 Ma
• Cynarctoides gawnae Wang et al. 1999 - New Mexico ~20.3—5.3 Ma
• Cynarctoides harlowi Loomis 1932 - Wyoming ~24.8—20.6 Ma
• Cynarctoides lemur Cope 1879 - Oregon, South Dakota, Florida ~24.8—20.6 Ma
• Cynarctoides luskensis Wang et al. 1999 - Wyoming ~24.8—20.6 M
• Cynarctoides roii Macdonald 1963 - South Dakota, Nebraska ~30.8—26.3 Ma

Fossil evidence suggests that C. lemur migrated to the east and southeast over time becoming extinct in the northwest followed by the upper Great Plains and then the southeast.

References

• Martin, L.D. 1989. Fossil history of the terrestrial carnivora. Pages 536 - 568 in J.L. Gittleman, editor. Carnivore Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution, Vol. 1. Comstock Publishing Associates: Ithaca.
• Tedford, R.H. 1978. History of dogs and cats: A view from the fossil record. Pages 1 – 10 in Nutrition and Management of Dogs and Cats. Ralston Purina Co.: St. Louis.
• Fossilworks - Cynarctoides

Notes and References

1. Book: Wang . Xiaoming . Tedford . Richard H. . 2008 . Dogs, Their Fossil Relatives and Evolutionary History . Columbia . 38 . 978-0-231-13528-3.