Notochoerus

Notochoerus is an extinct genus of very large pigs from the subfamily Tetraconodontinae. Fossils have been found in Africa, notably Uganda and Ethiopia.[1]

Notochoerus
Temporal range: Miocene–Pliocene
The extant warthog in comparison with the extinct Metridiochoerus andrewsi and Notochoerus eulius.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Subfamily: Tetraconodontinae
Genus: Notochoerus
Species
  • N. capensis
  • N. clarki
  • N. euilus
  • N. scotti

Description

Notochoerus were among the largest pigs ever, with adults weighing up to 450 kg (990 lbs).[2] These pigs were likely derived from the genus Nyanzachoerus. Like other tetraconodontine pigs, the males had ornamental growths on their skulls, formed from enamel.

References

  1. "A new species ofNotochoerus(Artiodactyla, Suidae) from the Pliocene of Ethiopia". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 24: 474–480. doi:10.1671/2499.
  2. Evolving Eden By Alan Turner and Mauricio Anton
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