Ramoceros

Ramoceros is an extinct genus of the artiodactyl family Antilocapridae endemic to Middle Miocene (Clarendonian) North America.[1]

Ramoceros
Temporal range: Clarendonian
~13.6–10.3 Ma
↓
Ramoceros osborni skeleton
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Antilocapridae
Genus: †Ramoceros
Frick, 1937

Taxonomy

Ramoceros is one of several genera that originated from the subfamily Merycodontinae, of which the pronghorn is the only surviving remnant.[2] In fact, pronghorn is the only surviving remnant of the entire family Antilocapridae.[3]

Description
Restoration of R. osborni and Cosoryx

Ramoceros was a prehistoric relative of modern pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), which is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America; modern pronghorn are the second-fastest mammal in the world.[1] The modern pronghorn weighs about 35 to 70 kilograms (77 to 154 lb), whereas the smaller Ramoceros generally weighed 10 to 20 kilograms (22 to 44 lb).[4]

Paleobiology

The long forked horns of Ramoceros may have been used by rival males in competition. Like other antilocaprids, Ramoceros regrew their horns every year, forming new horns growing on bony centers.[1]

Bibliography
  • Vertebrate Palaeontology by Michael J. Benton
  • The Evolution of Artiodactyls by Donald R. Prothero and Scott E. Foss

References
  1. Blount, Kitty and Crowley, Maggie. Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Life, p. 271 (Penguin, 2008).
  2. Heffelfinger, Jim. Deer of the Southwest: A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer, p. 26 (Texas A&M University Press, 2006).
  3. Smithsonian Institution. North American Mammals: Pronghorn Antilocapra americana
  4. Kues, Barry. The Paleontology of New Mexico, p. 364 (University of New Mexico Press, 2008).
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