Ramoceros


Ramoceros is an extinct genus of the artiodactyl family Antilocapridae endemic to Middle Miocene North America.

Taxonomy

Ramoceros is one of several genera that originated from the subfamily Merycodontinae, of which the pronghorn is the only surviving remnant. In fact, pronghorn is the only surviving remnant of the entire family Antilocapridae.

Description

Ramoceros was a prehistoric relative of modern pronghorn, which is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America; modern pronghorn are the second-fastest mammal in the world. The modern pronghorn weighs about, whereas the smaller Ramoceros generally weighed.

Paleobiology

The long forked horns of Ramoceros may have been used by rival males in competition. Like other antilocaprids, Ramoceros regrew their horns every year, forming new horns growing on bony centers.