Megacerops ("large-horned face", from "large" + "horn" + "face") is an extinct genus of the prehistoric odd-toed ungulate (hoofed mammal) family Brontotheriidae, an extinct group of rhinoceros-like browsers related to . It was endemic to North America during the Late Eocene epoch (38–33.9 Year), existing for approximately .
Taxonomy
According to Mihlbachler and others, Megacerops includes the species of the genera Menodus, Brontotherium, Brontops, Menops, Ateleodon, and Oreinotherium.
Description
Despite resembling the rhinoceros, it was larger than any living rhinoceros: the living animal easily approached the size of the African forest elephant, the third-largest land animal today. It stood about tall at the shoulders with an overall length (including tail) of . Its skull reached in greatest length, with some specimens possessing substantial canines, up to 70 mm long. Megacerops resembled a large rhinoceros, possessing blunt Y-shaped horn-like protrusions on its nose up to 43 cm in length. Its mass is estimated to be in the range of
The dorsal above the shoulders had extra long spines to support the huge neck muscles needed to carry the heavy skull. The shape of its teeth suggests that it preferred food such as soft stems and leaves, rather than tough vegetation. It may have had fleshy lips and a long tongue for carefully selecting food.
Paleobiology
Distribution
Many remains have been found in South Dakota and Nebraska. In the past, specimens exposed by severe were found by Native Americans of the Sioux tribes. The Sioux called them "thunder beasts", a name preserved in the ancient Greek translation (bronto-, thunder; therion, beast). Many of the found by the Sioux belonged to which were killed by volcanic eruptions of the Rocky Mountains, which were volcanically active at the time.
See also
External links
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