MOERITHERIUM

extinct genus of primitive mammals that represent a very early stage in elephant evolution. Its fossils are found in Late Eocene and Early Oligocene deposits in northern Africa (the Eocene Epoch, which preceded the Oligocene, ended about 36.6 million years ago). Moeritherium did not resemble the modern elephant very closely. It was about as large as a tapir, with short, strong legs and a relatively long body. The feet were broad and terminated in flat-hoofed toes. The skull was relatively long, the eyes were set very far forward, and the cheek bone was very long. The nasal openings were on the upper side of the skull, but it is unlikely that an elephant-like trunk was present; at most, Moeritherium had a short, flexible proboscis much like that of the modern tapirs. The front incisors were strongly developed in upper and lower jaws and represent a stage in the development of the familiar elephant tusks. Strong neck muscles were attached to the broad back end of the skull. The tail was short. It is probable that Moeritherium inhabited marshy regions and was at least partly aquatic, feeding on vegetation.