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Name:
Mesohippus bairdi
Age: Oligocene
Formation: Brule
Location: South Dakota
Size: Skull is over 7 inches long
This specimen is not for sale
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This is a rare mammal fossil. It is a complete skull and lower jaws from the extinct three-toed horse, Mesohippus. Mesohippus was about as large as a collie dog, but its brain was surprisingly large for that of an Oligocene mammal. The teeth had low crowns, showing that Mesohippus browsed on leaves and pulpy fruits. The feet had three usable hoofs, where the weight probably rested on dog-like "pads." Mesohippus became extinct and eventually evolved into the line of modern-day, single-hooved horses.
This specimen has the skull and lower jaws intact and articulated. Some of the front teeth are restored, but most of the teeth are fully intact. The skull showcases well in the large matrix block, making for a very aesthetic display. This is a beautiful fossil from this famous three-toed early horse - very sought-after and extremely collectible.
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