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 keelinensis
†Stenomylus gracilis

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."

Restoration
Stenomylus hitchcocki

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

  1. ↑ Kindersley, Dorling (2008-06-02). "Camels". Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life. Penguin. pp. 266–7. ISBN 9780756682415.
  2. ↑ Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 277. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
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