Stenomylus
Stenomylus Temporal range: Oligocene - early Miocene | |
---|---|
Skeletons | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Clade: | Synapsida |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Artiodactyla |
Family: | Camelidae |
Genus: | Stenomylus |
Species | |
†Stenomylus hitchcocki |
Stenomylus is an extinct genus of miniature camelid native to North America that died out around 30 million years ago.[1] Its name is derived from the Greek στείνος, "narrow" and μύλος, "molar."
Stenomylus was extremely diminutive compared to other ancient and modern camelids, standing only 2 feet (61 cm) tall on average. It was a slender animal with a long neck, having some resemblance to a modern gazelle.[2] Unlike modern camelids, Stenomylus lacked padding on its hooves and has been compared to the modern pronghorn of North America and the gerenuk of Africa based on theories about its biomechanics.
References
External links
- Stenomylus image and description from the USGS
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