Tetrameryx Temporal range:
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Depiction of T. shuleri based on modern pronghorns | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Artiodactyla |
Family: | Antilocapridae |
Genus: | †
Tetrameryx Lull, 1921 |
Species | |
Tetrameryx is an extinct genus of the North American artiodactyl family Antilocapridae, known from Mexico, [2] the western United States, and Saskatchewan in Canada. [1]
The name means "four [horned] ruminant", referring to the division of each horn near its base into two prongs; in T. shuleri, the rear prong is much longer. [3] 5 species are known.
One member of the genus, T. shuleri, survived until about 12,000 years ago, and was present when Paleo-Indians reached North America. [4] Although approximately the same size as the living pronghorn, the limb bones are somewhat more robust, suggesting that its running speed was slower than living pronghorn. [5]