Merycochoerus Explained

Merycochoerus (Greek: "ruminant" (merux)-like "swine" (khoiros)^[1]) is an extinct genus of oreodont of the family Merycoidodontidae, endemic to North America. They lived during the Early Oligocene 33.9—30.8 mya, existing for approximately .^[2] Fossils are widespread through the western United States.

Merycochoerus was a cud-chewing plant-eater with a long face, tusk-like canine teeth, heavy body, long tail, short feet, and four-toed hooves. The 1m (03feet) long animals are thought to have been amphibious, as members of the genus possessed an elongated, barrel-shaped body and short limbs that are typical adaptations found in semi-aquatic mammals.^[3]

Species

• M. carrikeri (syn. Promerycochoerus thomsoni)
• M. chelydra (syn. Promerycochoerus barbouri)
• M. magnus
• M. matthewi
• M. pinensis
• M. proprius
• M. superbus (syn. M. fricki, M. leidyi, M. macrostegus, M. montanus, M. temporalis, Promerycochoerus grandis, P. hatcheri, P. hollandi, P. inflatus, P. latidens, P. loomisi, P. lulli, P. marshi, P. microcephalus)
• M. vantasselensis

Notes and References

1. Web site: Glossary. American Museum of Natural History. https://web.archive.org/web/20211120123130/https://research.amnh.org/paleontology/perissodactyl/concepts/glossary. 20 November 2021.
2. http://www.fossilworks.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=taxonInfo&taxon_no=42504 Merycochoerus at fossilworks
3. Book: Palmer, D.. 1999 . The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. Marshall Editions. London. 271. 1-84028-152-9.