MERYCHIPPUS

extinct genus of early horses, found as fossils in deposits from the Middle and Upper Miocene epoch (23.7 to 5.3 million years ago). Merychippus descended from the earlier genus Parahippus, and a complete evolutionary series is known between the two forms. The tooth pattern in Merychippus is basically the same as that in the modern horse; the teeth became higher and dental cement appeared, which allowed a grazing mode of life. Other developments in the skeleton are also evident: its size increased so that Merychippus was almost as large as a modern pony, and the skull became more elongated in a very horselike fashion. The limbs as well became more horselike in proportion and better adapted to running. In some forms the three toes remained comparatively large, but in progressive species of Merychippus the toes were short and small. The centre toe was much larger than the others and carried most of the animal's weight. A well-developed hoof was present on the large central toe. Authorities think it is probable that the coloration pattern of Merychippus was zebralike.