The diagrams below show the development of the horse over a period of 40 million years. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
The given diagrams describe the evolution of the modern horse in different stages, from Eohippus to the one that exists today.
Overall, evolution of the modern horse took 40 million years and four stages. In this process, the size and structure of the animal, and that of the foot underwent radical changes.
Eohippus appeared 40 million years ago, it was much smaller in size than its modern counterpart and had a four fingered foot. Its successor Mesohippus which appeared 30 million years ago was slightly bigger, had short hair at the back of its neck, and its foot structure transformed into three fingers, with the middle finger sporting a bulb.
Merrychippus emerged as the predecessor of Mesohippus 50 million years ago. This Genus had longer manes on the back of its neck, a thicker tail, and a bigger foot. The modern species of horse is almost similar to its ancestor, though it is bigger in size, with thicker mane and tail,except that foot has transformed into a hoof.
