Leptotragulus
Extinct genus of mammals
Leptotragulus Temporal range: Middle Eocene PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Artiodactyla |
Family: | †Protoceratidae |
Genus: | †Leptotragulus Scott & Osborn, 1887 |
Species | |
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Range of Leptotragulus based on fossil record |
Leptotragulus is an extinct genus of protoceratid, endemic to North America. It lived during the Middle Eocene epoch (Uintan to Chadronian stage) 40.2—33.9 Ma, existing for approximately 6 million years.[1]
Leptotragulus resembled deer. However, they were more closely related to camelids. In addition to having horns in the more usual place,[clarification needed] many protoceratids had additional, rostral horns above the orbital cavity. This genus, as well as many other Leptotragulines, was completely hornlees.
Fossil distribution
Fossils have been recovered from:
- Goshen Hole Formation, Goshen County, Wyoming
- Wiggins Formation, Fremont County, Wyoming
References
- ^ PaleoBiology Database: Leptotragulus, basic info
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