Neohipparion leptode (Merriam) from the Pliocene of northwestern Nevada

Abstract

A complete skull and skeleton of a fossil horse, Neohipparion leptode, are described from the Hemphillian stage, middle Pliocene (Thousand Creek Beds, northwestern Nevada). Prior to the discovery of this specimen a smaller individual of Neohipparion whitneyi Gidley was known from the Clarendonian stage, lower Pliocene (Little White River, near the Rosebud Indian Agency, South Dakota). Skeletal ratios indicate that Neohipparion is characterized by greater elongation of the distal limb segments (radius, metacarpus, tibia, metatarsus) in relation to the proximal segments (humerus; femur) than Equus. In this regard, Neohipparion leptode differs less from E. cabalhis than does E. whitneyi.

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