Prosantorhinus
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Prosantorhinus is an extinct genus of rhinocerotid that lived during the Early and Middle Miocene subepochs. The small teleoceratine rhinocerotid was found in Western Europe and Asia.[1]
Description
Prosantorhinus was a similarly sized animal to the Sumatran rhinoceros, it stood at around Script error: No such module "convert". at the shoulder and was about Script error: No such module "convert". long, weight estimates however are considerably bigger due to its considerably deeper chest.[2] The body plan of Prosantorhinus is stubbier than that of other rhinocerotids, and its brachyodont molars would seem to suggest Prosantorhinus led a semiaquatic life, similar to a hippopotamus, possibly feeding on fresh water plants.[3][4] The tooth eruption sequence of P. germanicus was identical to that of the present-day black rhinoceros, suggesting that it was a slow-growing and long-lived mammal.[5] The rugged texture at the tip of its snout could suggest the existence of one, maybe two, small horns; however it has been traditionally reconstructed with a fleshy bump.[6]
Palaeoecology
Study of the dental mesowear and microwear of P. douvillei reveals that it was a folivorous browser.[7]
References
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- ↑ Heissig, K. (1999): Family Rhinocerotidae. - In: Rossner, G. E. & Heissig, K. (Eds.): The Miocene Land Mammals of Europe, 175-188; Munich (Pfeil).
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